Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

275. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the Government will establish a national just transition commission without delay (details supplied). [20052/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government has adopted, through the Climate Action Plan 2021 (CAP 2021), a framework for a just transition, comprising four principles: 1. An integrated, structured, and evidence-based approach to identify and plan our response to just climate transition requirements.2. People are equipped with the right skills to be able to participate in and benefit from the future net zero economy.3. The costs are shared so that the impact is equitable and existing inequalities are not exacerbated.4. Social dialogue to ensure impacted citizens and communities are empowered and are core to the transition process.As set out in CAP 2021, this framework should be considered by all relevant Ministers in the process of climate action policy formulation and implementation, including  ensuring that response measures support all aspects of achieving a just transition. This includes creating sustainable employment opportunities, providing reskilling and retraining opportunities, and providing appropriate supports for those most vulnerable as part of Ireland’s transition to a climate neutral economy.

The Government has also committed, in CAP 2021, to establishing a statutory Just Transition Commission, with the general scheme of legislation to establish the Commission to be completed by the end of this year. CAP 2021 sets out that the purpose of the Commission will be to provide strategic advice to Government (integrating its role with existing governance and engagement structures) on how Government policy can further a just transition. I am currently progressing the development of proposals on the mandate of the Commission in advance of preparing the general scheme of legislation. In light of the role that he has performed as Just Transition Commissioner during in the Midlands Region since 2019, I have also asked Kieran Mulvey to continue to act in an advisory role, providing support to me on the development of proposals for the statutory Commission.