Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Donnelly for her presentation and for being with us. Starting off with the Climate Change Advisory Council, CCAC, itself, in earlier stages it was insightful to get the perspective of former chairs on the working of the group. After Ms Donnelly's initial experience, are there ways she would improve the CCAC? Is she happy it is sufficiently resourced, has access to the necessary information, data and expertise or is that a gap that Government and others should look at?

This is a new process for everybody. The council has a particular role. It feeds into the development of the climate action plan. There is the scientific and technical aspect and the political aspect, with a big "P" or small "p". Ms Donnelly touched on it earlier. How does she feel that is working, particularly from the perspective of stakeholders or the public? Does she think local government plans or the national dialogue is the way to enhance public engagement? This committee is about to embark on a job of work to consider the carbon budgets and is likely to hear from a very small group of people, again experts or departmental officials.

I share the concern of others on the emissions ranges and the potential for a combined effort not meeting 51% by 2030. I am sure Ms Donnelly is aware 4 million tonnes are unallocated in the climate action plan. The Government points towards the Danish approach. Does she see that as a risk in itself? Does it add to the other risks already there which she has mentioned? I am interested in Ms Donnelly's perspective on that.

What role does Ms Donnelly see for hydrogen in supporting the transition, particularly in terms of storing offshore wind and transport?