Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 62: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason he will not accept the Joint Committee on Climate Change legislative headings to be used in a climate change Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42851/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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My Department is currently developing the Heads of a Climate Change Bill. This work has involved consultation with key Government Departments and State agencies as well as environmental NGOs. I want to ensure that this framework legislation will enshrine important underpinning policies and principles in Irish law which will underpin our commitment to the core national priority of combating climate change. I intend to publish a framework document in early December outlining the key areas that will be covered in the Climate Change Bill. Work will continue on the further development of the Heads, which I intend to publish early in 2010.

The Second Report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Change, published recently, outlined proposals for a climate change bill in an explanatory memorandum attached to the Report. I welcome the valuable work carried out by the Committee and this work will assist in informing the drafting of the Climate Change Bill. The fact that it has all party support will be important in gaining public acceptance and support for the Bill.