Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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36. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for a national dialogue on climate and energy, as set out in the White Paper, Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015 to 2030; when it will occur; the persons who and the bodies which will be involved; the outcomes he is hoping to achieve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16111/16]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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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.