Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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347. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the climate change Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27491/14]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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388. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26992/14]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 388 and 347 together.

I would like to see the Climate Action and Low-Carbon Development Billpublished and progressed through the legislative process as quickly as possible. Both the Heads of the Bill and the National Policy Position which the legislation will underpin were finalised having regard to the substantial public consultation which my Department facilitated in 2012, and the second round of consultation facilitated by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht last year. A very broad range of issues was raised in both consultations and I am satisfied that the National Policy Position and the planned legislation reflect where the balance lies at this time in terms of the views across the spectrum of stakeholders and society generally. Both the National Policy Position and Head 4 of the General Scheme of the Bill address the fundamental objective on transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient, and environmentally sustainable economy in the period to 2050.

With regard to climate justice, Ireland has an excellent record of working with key partners in developing countries. We fully recognise the importance of addressing the heightened vulnerability to climate change experienced by some of the world’s poorest people. The Climate Action and Low-Carbon Development Billis focussed on Ireland’s domestic transition to low-carbon development. In tandem with our commitment to the developing world, a progressive approach to mitigation at a national level is the most effective contribution we can make to the global-scale actions necessary to combat climate change.