Mr. Brian Carroll:

I responded to earlier comments on language. I think the language is strong in the Bill and clearly links the target to climate action plans, strategies and carbon budgets.

With regard to the long-term strategy in particular, the Bill refers to a strategy "to specify the manner in which it is proposed to achieve the national 2050 climate objective." That is fully consistent with the 2015 Act and it is something the Supreme Court, in its recent decision, dwelt on, including what it means. The requirement to specify remains in the Bill.

In terms of interim targets, a few issues can be mentioned. First, the programme for Government contains a commitment to 7% reductions per annum, on average, over the decade. Second, once we have in place carbon budgets and sectoral decarbonisation ranges, we have a very tight structure of interim targets over five-year periods with specific sectoral requirements also delineated in terms of the quantum of reduction that will be expected across sectors.

On the just transition, I refer again to my earlier response that climate justice has been included as something that is required for consideration. I take the Deputy's point that climate justice has three dimensions, namely, a global piece, an intertemporal piece and a national piece, as I think it is commonly understood. The national piece really speaks to just transition and Government policy is quite active in this area, as I outlined.

I also agree that it is very important that the voices of the people impacted by the transition to climate neutrality are heard, and those of wider society. The provision that the Minister may consult, the particular requirements around consultation at local level and the separate development of a national dialogue on climate will all facilitate the hearing of those voices and ensure that people have an input into the making of policy.

On the climate change advisory council, the long list of potential expertise and competencies was included with the intention of creating a wider mix of skills on the council. It is envisaged that the list would be understood and implemented in that way.

The provisions on gender equality are stronger than those in the 2015 Act. I do not have the exact reference in the Act but nature-based solutions are explicitly called out. I can follow up with the Deputy afterwards and provide a note on where they are referenced.