Ms Catherine Devitt:

I will echo and pick up on some of what Dr. Hough has mentioned. She mentioned not reinventing the wheel. It is worth pointing out that the European Commission, as part of the governance regulation, provides quite detailed guidance to member states on what needs to be in their NECPs. One particular holistic aspect about that guidance and about the NECPs is the need for member states to view the NECP and the ancillary planning process in an integrated way so it is not just about emissions but also about the social implications in terms of benefits, costs and so on. When it comes to the just transition aspect, there is an emphasis on considering issues such as the human rights implications and the social equality implications. There is already a lot in the NECP planning process to consider the kinds of issues a future commissioner might also need to consider.

Dr. Brennan mentioned the feedback from the Commission on Ireland's draft updated NECP. It outlined in that feedback that there is quite a lot missing on the holistic just transition aspect. There is a lot of potential there not just to view the just transition in terms of employment or regional impact but to broaden the concept and consider it in terms of social equality, human rights, children's rights and the rights of older members of our population. That is missing and needs to be in that final plan.