Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. As I have explained, the proper process was followed in making these appointments. This has ensured that an exceptional group of members has been appointed to the council to allow it to fulfil its crucial functions. That process is outlined in the climate legislation passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas earlier this year. I believe it was the most important legislation to have passed in many years. It was passed with consensus, including support from every party, apart from some Independents, with only ten people voting against it. That Act details how people would be appointed to the Climate Change Advisory Council. The steps of that process were followed exactly and scrupulously. Dr. Cara Augustenborg is probably the best-known woman in climate science in Ireland. She has extensive experience and academic qualifications. She is a senior fellow in environmental policy at University College Dublin. She has an MSc in environmental health sciences; a PhD in environmental sciences from University of California, Los Angeles; she is one of seven people appointed to the Council of State under President Higgins; and, I am happy that she is one of the four people who was appointed. Dr. Morgan Bazilian is equally somebody of great repute, as are Ms Sinead O'Brien and Ms Jillian Mahon. We have a Climate Change Advisory Council which will be well capable to deliver on this extremely important challenge that is facing Ireland and the world.