Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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51. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of specifically qualified climate scientists employed by his Department; the level of qualification of each; their specific areas of expertise within climate science; if he will list their peer reviewed, specialist publications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11635/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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My Department employs a number scientific and technical advisers, as well as other civil servants with backgrounds in environmental sciences and other related disciplines. I should also make the Deputy aware that the Public Appointments Services are currently running a competition for Administrative Officers with backgrounds in Environmental Science, Energy, Agriculture, Economics, Electrical or Technical Engineering.

My Department's work in the areas of climate policy is also supported by a range of climate, energy and environmental experts in a number of State Agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the SEAI. Met Éireann, which is under the aegis of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, also provides vital scientific input with regard to our changing climate.

In addition to the above, technical support for the development and management of national climate and energy policy is provided by the Climate Action Modelling Group (CAMG), which comprises external experts under contract to my Department. Established by the Government in 2015, and chaired by my Department, CAMG has supported the development of the Climate Action Plan. There are currently five contracted bodies (the CAMG partners) providing modelling and research on climate, economic, air quality and energy issues. These are University College Cork, University College Dublin, University of Galway, the Economic and Social Research Institute and EnvEcon.

I am also advised by the statutorily independent Climate Change Advisory Council.