Michael McCarthy TD, Chair of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht, has launched a Report on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2013 which sets out a number of possible courses of action that will be key in future deliberations of the Bill.

Mr McCarthy said: "In May, June and July of this year, the Committee held a very productive and informative series of meetings with around 30 interested parties, stakeholders and policy makers on the Outline Heads of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2013.

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"Our report, and the policy analysis by the National Economic and Social Council Secretariat, will be key inputs for consideration by Government in adopting a national policy position on the transition to a low-carbon future, and finalising the introduction of climate legislation in the second half of 2014.

"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.

"Climate change is one of the key issues facing the world today and it is important that we formulate the necessary policy and legislation to help Ireland move to a low carbon and environmentally sustainable economy and society.

"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."

(CD/JP)