Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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203. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the measures in place to combat climate change and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to keep global warming within the temperature goals of the Paris Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17856/19]

Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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204. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if climate change is a priority for him; his views on whether there is demand from persons to tackle the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17859/19]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 203 and 204 together.

I am currently preparing an All of Government Climate Plan which will set out the actions which must be taken to make Ireland a leader in responding to climate change. I am working with colleagues across Government to develop new initiatives across electricity, transport, heat, and agriculture, as well as a range of other sectors.

The All of Government Plan will have a strong focus on implementation, including actions with specific timelines and steps needed to achieve each action, assigning clear lines of responsibility for delivery. It will also be informed by successful approaches in other countries, where such approaches could be adapted for implementation in Ireland, and by the recently published report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action.

The Plan will build on the previous actions and framework put in place by both the National Mitigation Plan and the National Development Plan, and is to be completed shortly.

Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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205. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to work with local and international businesses such as insurance companies to address the issue of climate change (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17860/19]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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Government has a key role in enabling, facilitating and supporting private sector adaptation through policies, regulation and other supportive measures such as information sharing and awareness raising. It is important, however, that private sector and business in general take a lead themselves in considering climate impacts in their long term strategic planning and investment decisions, and assess climate risks to their own assets and activities. Ireland’s first statutory National Adaptation Framework (NAF) represents our national policy response to the challenges posed by the impacts of climate change. The Framework sets out the context to ensure Local Authorities, regions and sectors can assess the key risks and vulnerabilities of climate change, implement climate resilience actions, and ensure climate adaptation considerations are mainstreamed into local, regional and national policy making. The National Adaptation Framework (NAF) identifies the need for Government to engage with the private sector in shaping and developing their adaptation strategies and plans and also identifies the need for further research into the impacts of climate change on enterprise.

The National Adaptation Framework (NAF) recognises that the availability of accurate, consistent and authoritative data, information and analysis specific to Ireland is crucial to how effective we are in developing climate resilience. Information platforms such as Climate Ireland, which was developed under the EPA Research Programme, can help to provide business with more accurate information on the projected impacts of climate change and encourage them to take action to lower their exposure to the impacts of climate change. My Department is currently developing proposals in relation to the future of Climate Ireland in conjunction with the EPA.

Local Authorities will also have an important role to play in engaging with businesses on climate change at local level. In 2018, my Department provided €10 million to establish and fund four Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs). The CAROs will provide a focal point for businesses and communities to partner and collaborate with Local Authorities in delivering on meaningful climate action initiatives at a local level.

I'm currently working with my Government colleagues across all Departments to develop an All of Government Climate Plan. The Climate Plan will set out a detailed road map ensuring a whole of government integrated strategy and including a review of the challenges associated with the availability of property (home and business) insurance and possible responses. The All of Government Plan will require mobilisation across all sectors - including buildings, heat, transport, industry and agriculture to step up Ireland's response to climate change.