Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2024
88. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a timeline for when he will bring the Just Transition Taskforce's final report and recommendations forward for consideration by the Government; when the Just Transition Commission will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20680/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government approved the establishment of a Just Transition Commission at its meeting on 30 April.
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.
The functions of the Commission, as set out in its Terms of Reference approved by the Government, will be:
• To prepare and analyse strategic evidence-based research in relation to just transition: to anticipate and inform long-term climate policy and investment planning, including focusing on the potential impacts, risks and opportunities arising from the climate transition for different sectors of both the economy and society, including the social, economic and employment impacts of this change and the policy responses required.
• To evaluate, advise, and comment on policy planning and implementation and progress on the application of Ireland’s just transition principles into national and sectoral climate policies, based on high-quality, evidence-based analysis.
• To provide strategic advice and engagement on just transition: the Commission will support the National Dialogue on Climate Action, as well as any dialogues on climate/just transition matters within individual sectors, in engagement on the implementation of climate programmes agreed by Government.
• Sectoral or regional engagement and road-mapping: the Commission may, on its own initiative, or at the request of the Government, undertake proactive engagement with particular communities, sectors or regions facing specific acute or long-term challenges arising from the transition, and advise Government on strategic co-ordination by the agencies of the State, on any interventions or targeted supports which may be helpful to address the challenges being faced by that community, sector or region.
I will commence shortly a process to recruit a chairperson and members of the Just Transition Commission, and I will make appointments to the Commission on the approval of the Government. I intend that this process will be completed and that the Commission will be operational by Q3 of this year.
The Terms of Reference of the Just Transition Commission have been informed by the report and recommendations of the Just Transition Taskforce. Both the Taskforce's report and the approved Terms of Reference have been published on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/e3666-just-transition-taskforce/.
