Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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195. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the level of engagement his Department has had with youth climate groups in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57120/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Societal engagement and empowerment, including that of our young people, is essential if we are to reach our national and EU climate targets of net zero emissions no later than 2050. The National Dialogue on Climate Action (NDCA) is the primary vehicle through which this will be realised. In 2021 my Department engaged with over 200 young people, through the Comhairle na nÓg network, in workshops as part of our Climate Conversations initiative. Outputs from this have informed the ongoing engagement with young people through the NDCA.

Specific actions in the Climate Action Plan 2021 include:- The establishment of a National Youth Assembly in early 2022- Representation for young people on the new National Climate Stakeholder Forum - The inclusion of climate action within the national primary and secondary curricula - Increased supports for the Green Schools initiative, Young Environmental Ambassadors, Young Reporters for the Environment, and Green Campus initiatives through An Taisce- Engaging directly with youth organisations, including Comhairle na nÓg through and the annual Climate Conversations

These activities will support the inclusion of the youth voice in climate action.