Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

614. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of the national dialogue on climate change. [32192/17]

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

652. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the national dialogue on climate change will be opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32904/17]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 614 and 652 together.

I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 72 and 473 of 27 June 2017.

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 a Partnership 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, 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.