Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 10, inclusive, together.

Last month the Government established the Cabinet committee on climate action, environment and energy to oversee implementation of programme for Government commitments in relation to the environment, climate action, energy and emergency planning.

The programme for Government sets out a strong framework for climate action and continues to place it at the heart of the work of all Departments. It commits to a continuation of the publication of annual updates to the climate action plan and quarterly progress reports focusing on a smaller number of strategic and high-impact actions across all sectors, as well as strengthening the climate action delivery board and governance structures. In addition, it sets out specific provisions in areas such as energy, agriculture, the built environment, transport, the circular economy, the environment and adaptation.

EPA figures confirm that greenhouse gas emissions are going in the right direction, showing overall reductions for the past three years. However, we know we have to go further, taking climate action faster and at scale, particularly over the coming five years as we approach 2030.

Membership of the Cabinet committee will comprise the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence and the Ministers for Finance, Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, the Environment, Climate and Communications and Transport, Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Enterprise, Trade and Employment. It will meet quarterly and its next meeting will take place on 7 April.

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