The Environment Committee continues its crucial series of comprehensive hearings on the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2013.

Michael McCarthy T.D, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on the Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht, said: "We are working with key groups, organisations and leading specialists in the field. The committee began hearings last week and will conclude on Friday. During this process we will hear from and engage with around 30 witnesses, including Stewart Stevenson, the Scottish Minister who pioneered climate change legislation, which was passed unanimously by members of the Scottish Parliament in 2009.

-- Advertisement --

"This process underscores our commitment on climate change legislation and follows on from the commitment of the Labour Party in Government to the introduction of climate change legislation.

"The Labour Party remains committed to introducing climate change legislation. This legislation will provide certainty surrounding government policy and will provide a clear pathway for emissions reductions, in line with negotiated EU targets.

"This legislation will set us apart - only four other EU member states have adopted climate change legislation so far. Ireland will be one of the first EU countries to put a legal obligation on its Government to develop policies to plan for existing and future climate commitments."

(CD)