McCarthy to chair environment committee

MICHAEL McCarthy, Labour TD for Cork South-West, is to chair the joint committee on environment, culture and Gaeltacht.

‘I am delighted that Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has chosen me to chair this important and interesting committee’, said Deputy McCarthy. ‘I look forward to taking up this position shortly, and to working on the extensive programme of work that will be required by the new role.’

The position became vacant after another Cork TD, Labour’s Ciaran Lynch, was moved to the committee on finance, public expenditure and reform. Deputy Lynch replaces Alex White, who has taken the place of Rosin Shorthall as Minister of State at the Department of Health.

Deputy McCarthy said he hoped to bring his experience as vice chair of the investigations committee, and as a member of the public accounts committee, to the position. A number of ‘key issues’ lie ahead for the environment committee, he said, namely the forthcoming introduction of climate change legislation, and the ‘significant issue’ of local government reform.

The Dunmanway-based TD said he would work ‘pro-actively’ with his new colleagues on the committee, so that it can build on its ‘considerable body of work to date.’

Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore said Mr McCarthy has developed a reputation as a ‘hardworking and insightful member of the finance committee’ and he looked forward to him making a ‘positive and constructive contribution as chairperson.’