Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

54. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to provide an update on the establishment of a just transition commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38849/24]

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

The Government approved the establishment of a Just Transition Commission in April 2024.

I commenced a process to recruit members and a chair for the Commission in May 2024 through a request for nominations from the five pillars of social dialogue, and through a parallel open call for expressions of interest, with the assistance of the Public Appointments Service.

Once this process has concluded, I intend to make appointments to the Commission on the approval of the Government.

The Just Transition Commission will support the Government in its responsibility to ensure, in line with our statutory climate objectives, that Ireland’s transition to a climate neutral economy is just, and that it endeavours, in so far as practicable, to maximise employment opportunities, and to support people and communities that may be negatively affected by the transition.

In line with the recommendations of the final report of the Just Transition Taskforce, published in May 2024, the Government has agreed that the Commission should be established initially on an administrative basis. Following an appropriate opportunity to evaluate the operation of the Commission during its first term, a decision on any future statutory basis for the Commission will then be made.