Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The planning meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security did not take place on 6 October to allow work to continue at official level on a number of issues, which were subsequently brought before a full meeting of the Government. The next meeting of the Cabinet committee has not yet been scheduled.

It would be incorrect to correlate the number of meetings of the Cabinet committee with the Government's commitment to tackling and addressing the climate change and energy security issues. The Government has been meeting frequently and full consideration has been given to climate change and energy security issues where appropriate.

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government retains lead responsibility for climate change policy, with cross-departmental issues co-ordinated through the senior officials group on climate change and energy security chaired by my Department.

I am satisfied that significant progress is being achieved and that the issues are receiving the appropriate level of attention. Any specific questions on climate change issues should be put down to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, or other Minister if appropriate.

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