Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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72. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the national climate dialogue will commence; the person he wishes to chair the advisory group; the expected timeframe for the completion of its work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29894/17]

Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent)
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473. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way in which the national dialogue on climate change is being processed; when it will commence; the way in which it will be implemented; and his plans to bring this dialogue into communities and workplaces. [29928/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 473 together.

I was pleased to announce earlier this year that the Government was moving to establish, on a two-year pilot basis, a National Dialogue on Climate Action. This is in line with the commitment set out in the Programme for Government.

The primary objective of the National Dialogue will be to ensure an inclusive process of engagement and consensus building across society towards enabling the transformation to a low carbon and climate-resilient future. To do this, the Dialogue will seek to create awareness, engagement and motivation to act (locally, regionally and nationally) in relation to the challenges presented by climate change and to establish, on a long term basis, appropriate networks for people to meet periodically to consider evidence-based inputs on the economic, social, behavioural, environmental and public aspects of climate and energy policy.

I have also indicated that the National Mitigation Plan, which I expect to publish shortly, will become a living document and in the context of this on-going process, and outcomes from the Dialogue will be a key component for consideration in the development of further decarbonisation options.  

I am currently finalising, and will shortly announce, the membership of a National Dialogue on Climate Action Advisory Group which I am establishing to provide me with advice in relation to the overall strategy, structure and operation of the National Dialogue.

A key element of the National Dialogue already underway is the Green Schools National Climate Change Action and Awareness Programme which, for 2017, includes the development phase for a Climate Change Ambassadors Programme.

Further action and initiatives under the National Dialogue will be announced in due course.