Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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87. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to seek state aid approval from the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38841/20]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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192. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to seek to state aid approval from the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39009/20]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 192 together.

On the basis of the Deputy’s engagement with my officials in my Department, I understand that the Deputy’s query relates specifically to the issue of Just Transition, the Just Transition Fund and recommendations made by the Just Transition Commissioner.

In relation to the issue of Just Transition, I would outline to the Deputy that the Programme for Government, affirms the necessity for a just transition pathway to be found in relation to our aspiration for a green, low Carbon, economy. This pathway will deliver job opportunities to sectors and regions most affected by the transition away from a dependence on fossil fuels starting, with the midlands peat producing areas, and ensuring that vulnerable groups are helped, as transformative policies are developed and implemented. Achievement of these objectives will require the anticipation of challenges and planning for responses to them. The Programme for Government includes a number of specific commitments in relation to addressing this work, including:

- publishing a detailed all-of-Government implementation plan consistent with the recommendations of the first report of the Just Transition Commissioner;

- establishing a standing Office of the Just Transition Commissioner, with appropriate staffing and resources;

- addressing the need to plan for just transition by identifying and preparing for challenges that will arise in a number of sectors and regions;

- ensuring that financing is available and continue to grow the size of the Just Transition Fund.

The Government is committed to building upon the work of a number of different organisations in further developing its policy on Just Transition and in implementing the Programme for Government commitments.

As part of this approach, and as announced on Budget Day 2021, every single additional Euro raised by the increase in the Carbon Tax will be returned to citizens through a package of supports to protect vulnerable people, to secure a Just Transition, and to reduce our Carbon footprint. For Budget 2021, this included increases to energy efficiency schemes targeted at energy poverty, and the continuation of Carbon Tax investment programmes funded through Budget 2020 such as the Just Transition Fund.

I would further highlight to the Deputy that the policy of Just Transition is under the responsibility of the Minister for Environment, Climate, and Communication.