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Minister Bruton Holds Summit on All of Government Climate Plan to make Ireland Leader on Climate

The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, Richard Bruton T.D. will today (Friday the 18th of January) hold a consultation on the development of an all of government plan to make Ireland a leader in responding to climate change.

Minister Bruton recently secured government approval to develop an all of government plan to make Ireland a leader in responding to climate change. The focus will be on implementation, with clear lines of responsibility.

Today the Minister will consult on this Plan. Representatives from industry, agriculture, NGOs, government departments, academia, as well as unions and employer bodies will gather today in Croke Park to consider how best to address a number of matters across a range of sectors and the policy tools available.

Break out sessions will discuss a number of questions, such as:

  • What are the most accessible areas of opportunity in each sector and what are the policy tools that will deliver them?
  • Should we set sectoral targets? And if so, how should they be decided?
  • What is the best way of funding different measures?
  • What incentives need to be in place to encourage people to act in different areas?
  • How can the public sector lead the way?
  • How can we bring people along with us?

Minister Bruton said,

“We need to step up our response to climate disruption. The window for opportunity is closing. The decisions we take now will define the next century.

“I am determined to make Ireland a leader in this area. The reality is that it will require difficult choices. Every person, every community, every business, every home, every farm and every school will have to make changes in the way we live, and work and travel.

“Today, I am consulting with representatives from sectors across the board, in identifying specific actions which will make a real difference. I am looking forward to hearing from this wide range of voices and to a constructive, fruitful discussion.”