Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

550. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he is taking to establish a national dialogue on climate change including the format, scale and methodology he will adopt and timeline for this process, given the commitment in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15951/16]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to establish a National Dialogue on Climate Change. This builds on the commitment in the Energy White Paper to establish a National Energy Forum to maximise and maintain consensus on the broad policy measures set out in the White Paper required to ensure the transition to a low-carbon energy future.

It is my intention that the National Dialogue on Climate Change will encompass the role envisaged for the National Energy Forum but with a wider focus to include the examination of key infrastructural, land use and economic issues that need to be addressed in our long-term transition to a low-carbon future.

It is important that the National Dialogue on Climate Change reflects the views of all stakeholders including businesses, communities and citizens. This will require careful consideration in terms of the membership of the dialogue, its format and how it engages with the wider public. We are currently considering these matters and I hope to bring proposals to Government in the coming months with a view to the first meeting of the National Dialogue on Climate Change being held later this year.