Ciarán Ahern (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

205. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he recognizes the State’s clear obligations to prioritize rapid and effective emissions reductions now in order to support and protect children’s rights; the plans to implement the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child General Comment No. 26 through law and policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56627/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government fully recognises the State’s obligation to prioritise rapid and effective emissions reductions to protect the rights and welfare of children, in line with Ireland’s commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the UN Committee’s General Comment No. 26.

Ireland’s Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 provides a robust legal framework for emissions reduction, requiring a 51% cut in greenhouse gases by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050. Delivery of the Climate Action Plan is being driven through strengthened governance structures, including the Climate Action Plan Programme Board and the Climate Action Delivery Board, ensuring coordinated implementation across all sectors. Significant progress has been made: coal and peat-fired electricity generation have been phased out; onshore wind now provides nearly half of national electricity; EV sales are set to meet the 2025 ZEVI target; and over 2,000 schools have installed free solar PV systems.

The Government recognises that climate action must be pursued fairly and inclusively. A Just Transition remains central to ensuring that the shift to climate neutrality protects vulnerable communities and promotes intergenerational equity. Over €550 million has been allocated in 2026 for energy upgrades and free retrofits for low-income households.

In parallel, Ireland continues to advance children’s rights through implementation of the UNCRC. The Department of Children, Disability and Equality has commissioned a legislative review to align Irish law with the Convention. This work includes consideration of General Comment No. 26, which highlights the urgent need for States to act decisively to safeguard children from the harms of climate change and environmental degradation.

The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People, Young Ireland, embeds a child rights-based approach to climate policy, promoting climate literacy, child participation, and the inclusion of youth voices in national decision-making to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for all.