Written answers

Tuesday, 17 November 2020

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Climate Change Policy

Photo of John LahartJohn Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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175. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the targets set to ensure the national 2050 climate objective as set out in the climate action Bill is being achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36179/20]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Government is committed to an average 7% per annum reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030, equivalent to a 51% reduction over the decade and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. A key aspect of delivering on this ambition will be enacting the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill, which will be reinforced by credible on-going policy.

The Bill will establish a 2050 climate neutrality objective in law and place all relevant climate plans and strategies on a statutory footing. The Bill will define how five-year carbon budgets and related sectoral targets will be set, with every sector contributing, ensuring we continue to work to achieve a broad political and societal consensus on the transition to a climate neutral economy and society. Putting these requirements in legislation places a clear obligation on this and future governments for sustained climate action.

The Bill also provides appropriate oversight by Government, a strengthened Climate Change Advisory Council and a significantly strengthened accountability and oversight role by the Oireachtas.

Each year, relevant Ministers will be required to give account annually to an Oireachtas Committee on their performance in adhering to their sector’s carbon budget. Where Ministers are not in compliance with the targets, they will need to outline what consequential measures are envisaged and respond to any recommendations made by the Committee within three months. This ‘comply or explain’ approach will ensure greater oversight to drive delivery.

The annual revision to the Climate Action Plan acts as a further review mechanism and opportunity to re-adjust or refocus actions, if required, to ensure targets are achieved.

The existing governance mechanisms established on an administrative basis by the 2019 Climate Action Plan will also continue, with the Department of the Taoiseach and the Climate Action Delivery Board overseeing implementation of actions under the Climate Action Plan and publishing quarterly progress reports.

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