Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputies for their feedback. As set out in my opening statement, the reason the Government is opposing this Bill is due to the fact that we have already set up the commission on an administrative basis, and we want it to get on with the work we have tasked it with and we then want to review that to see whether it is working. At that point, once we have the review, we will be making a decision around a statutory footing. Also, the landscape in which we are making this decision has seen significant developments around the just transition policy since this Bill was tabled in 2021.

The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 and the Climate Action Plan 2021 set the legislative and policy direction for just transition, with the just transition framework outlining the broad nature of a just and fair transition. The just transition framework recognises that people need the right skills to participate in a climate-neutral economy, but it also recognises the need for evidence-based climate policy, the need to ensure that costs are shared equitably and the need for social dialogue with impacted citizens and communities. The overarching nature of the framework is reflected in the existing Just Transition Commission's mandate and work programme. The Just Transition Commission will examine the workforce implications of the transition but also has the remit to evaluate sectoral climate policy, proactively engage with impacted communities or sectors, and provide strategic advice and analysis in relation to a just transition.

The existing commission is providing impartial advice to the Government and is doing so to support a just transition to climate neutrality. While the commission was established on an administrative basis, the just transition task force recommended that the body be moved to a statutory basis. The Government is committed to reviewing the operation of the commission in a manner that allows the commission to establish itself and for learnings on its current structure and its remit to be reviewed and refined. Any decision on moving the commission to a legislative basis before this review would be premature.

As previously noted, under the commission's recommendation, the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment will develop a just transition strategy, which will set out a clear vision for a just transition to a competitive, affordable, secure and climate-neutral economy and society. The commission's forthcoming report on agriculture, transport and finance will further its guidance and support to the Government and the respective Departments.

The Government feels that moving to establish the commission on a legislative basis at this point could distract the commission from its current work programme and hamper the momentum it is building as a new body.

Finally, I reiterate that the Government is committed to a just transition and a climate-neutral economy by no later than 2050. However, due to legislative, policy and institutional developments since 2021, the Government is opposing this Private Members' Bill on the basis of the progress since then.

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