Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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40. To ask the Taoiseach if each Government Department now has a full-time, dedicated climate scientist on its staff; and if they do not, the reason therefor. [11634/23]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Climate Action Unit is part of the Economic Division of the Department of the Taoiseach. It was established in 2019 to meet the challenges of climate change and drive the necessary transition to a climate-neutral economy. The Unit assists in coordinating a whole-of-government response to the climate crisis, including supporting the delivery of the Government’s climate commitments as outlined in the Programme for Government.

The Unit includes officials with a range of relevant experience and qualifications, including two specialist staff seconded from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland respectively.