Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 17:

In page 6, between lines 2 and 3, to insert the following:“(b) the policy of the Government on climate change,

(c) climate justice,”.

This amendment seeks to include references to both the policy of the Government on climate change and to climate change justice in section 3(2). In respect of national policy considerations, a key element of the Government's climate policy is the national policy position on climate action and low carbon development, as published in April 2014. This policy position outlined the key objectives, considerations and principles in moving towards a low-carbon economy. Within this context, where a policy position evolves over time or changes to adapt to specific national circumstances, it would be important to have an appropriate reference in primary legislation which can capture relevant policy at any given time.

In respect of climate justice, as we are all aware, this concept links to human rights and development to achieve a human-centred approach, safeguarding the rights of the most vulnerable and sharing the burdens and benefits of climate change and its resolution equitably and fairly. It has been championed as an international concept, in particular by Mary Robinson.

Although legal reservations have been expressed about including a reference to climate justice, given the lack of an absolutely clear legal understanding of the concept in international law, I am nevertheless satisfied that it warrants inclusion in this Bill, given its importance as a principle. I have decided that the most appropriate point at which to reference it in the Bill is in section 3(2), which deals with the approval process of the Government in respect of both national mitigation plans and national adaptation frameworks.

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