After many years of campaigning by An Taisce, the Government in the form of John Gormley, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government announced the formation of the Environmental Pillar of Social Partnership in the Dail on Wednesday 8th April 2009. An Taisce is one of the 28 Environmental NGO's that form the Environmental Pillar and Charles Stanley-Smith, Chairperson An Taisce is one of the five pillar representatives.
The pillar website can be found at www.environmentalpillar.ie
The Government Press release states:
New Environmental Pillar joins Social Partnership
The Government today announced that, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, it has decided to establish a new Environmental Pillar in Social Partnership.
This decision will ensure that environmental considerations are fully reflected in Social Partnership discussions and will add an important new voice to the process at this time of great national challenge.
The Pillar will be represented by a range of environmental groups who operate at national level. Detailed arrangements will be the subject of further consultations with the existing Social Partners.