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

The proposed amendment seeks to shorten the timeframe for the production of the first statutory national adaptation framework from 24 months after enactment of the Bill to just six months following its enactment. As with the national mitigation plan, I understand the motivation behind this proposed amendment. However, the national adaptation framework will be a very complex document, which will prescribe the sectors for which sectoral adaptation plans must be developed. Therefore, considerable preparatory work will be required.

The draft framework will be subject to statutory public consultation procedures and, as a consequence, I believe that 24 months is the correct timeframe to be allowed for the development of the framework. I also note that 24 months is the maximum period. If it were possible to do it sooner, it would be done. Accordingly, I cannot accept this amendment and call for its withdrawal.