Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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102. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the meaning of just transition and climate justice in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29278/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The recently published Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill, 2021, proposes to define climate justice as the requirement that decisions and actions taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt to the effects of climate change shall, in so far as it is practicable to do so, safeguard the rights of the most vulnerable persons and endeavour to share the burdens and benefits arising from climate change. In relation to just transition, the Bill proposes to amend section 4(8) of the Principal Act to provide that, for the purposes of performing their respective functions under section 4, the Minister and the Government shall have regard, inter alia, to the requirement for a just transition to a climate neutral economy which endeavours, in so far as is practicable, to maximise employment opportunities, and support persons and communities that may be negatively affected by the transition.

Key objectives for a just climate transition have been set out in the Programme for Government, including the need to deliver alternative job opportunities to sectors and regions most affected and to ensure that vulnerable groups are supported through the transition, as transformative policies are implemented. These objectives, as well as specific proposals for their implementation, will be further articulated in the forthcoming revision to the Climate Action Plan.