Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

In terms of the programme for Government, in the Taoiseach's opening remarks in establishing a Government he emphasised the necessity for joined-up Government. Nowhere is that more critical than in the area of climate change. It is not just the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, it requires multi-departmental engagement and involvement. From my experience of being in Government one of the more effective ways of ensuring an urgent and engaged joined-up approach to the very pressing issue of climate change is the establishment of a Cabinet sub-committee. It would be an important mechanism to achieve that objective.

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