Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 557: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is an official in his Department who has the task of advising him on climate change and energy issues. [6339/07]

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 558: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to appoint a special adviser or Minister of State with responsibility for climate change issues; if this possibility has been examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2353/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 557 and 558 together.

My Department has overall responsibility for national policy on climate change and there is a designated team within the Department, including a post of environmental economist, to provide advice in this regard. In addition, measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are in place for a number of economic sectors and all relevant Government Departments have a role to play in policy development and in the achievement of Ireland's Kyoto Protocol commitments.

Against this background, there is no proposal to appoint a special advisor or to seek the appointment of a Minister of State with responsibility for climate change issues.