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

It is worth pointing out that the climate change advisory council is an independent body. This proposed amendment would make it mandatory rather than optional for the Government to consult with the climate change advisory council when performing its functions with respect to national adaptation frameworks or sectoral adaptation plans. I would say to the Senators that nobody is going to overlook the advisory council.

By way of background, the climate change advisory council will publish its own annual and periodic review reports so their content will be available to the Government in any event. Moreover, the Government's primary role in respect of national adaptation frameworks and sectoral adaptation plans is one of approval. This is an executive function and I do not believe it is appropriate to require the Government to consult with anyone or anything else in such executive decision-making. Therefore, I will not be accepting the amendment.