Madam, - I am rapporteur on the climate change law report produced recently by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security and referred to by John Stafford (November 13th) in his letter.
The purpose of the Climate Change Bill 2009 is clear. It sets out a framework by which Ireland can meet our international commitments by ensuring: 1) responsibility rests with the Taoiseach; 2) an office for climate change is set up in the Taoiseach's department; 3) accountability, monitoring and reporting structures; 4) a climate change dividend fund to ring-fence funding.
It is a Bill designed to address the shortcomings in our governance. If we get the legal framework right we can ensure that, from now on, regardless of what parties are in power, the task of tackling climate change will be done.
We can have any debate we want about future options on energy but, in my view, unless we get a robust legal framework in place, such debate will be, to borrow a phrase, a lot of hot air. - Yours etc,
LIZ McMANUS, TD,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2.