11. (1) The functions of the Advisory Council shall be to advise and make recommendations to—

(a) the Minister in relation to—

F23[(i) the preparation of a climate action plan,

(ii) the preparation of a national long term climate action strategy,

(iii) the preparation of a national adaptation framework,

(iv) the finalisation and revision of a carbon budget, and

(v) compliance with any existing obligation of the State under the law of the European Union or any international agreement referred to in section 2,]

(b) a Minister of the Government in relation to—

F23[(i) sector specific actions, within his or her responsibility, which are to be included in the climate action plan, and]

(ii) the making by him or her of a sectoral adaptation plan,

(c) the Government in relation to the approval of—

F23[(i) a climate action plan,

(ii) a national long term climate action strategy,

(iii) a national adaptation framework, and

(iv) a sectoral adaptation plan,]

and

(d) the Government, the Minister and any other Minister of the Government in respect of any policy of the Government, or any policy that is proposed to be submitted to the Government for approval relating to—

(i) the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and

(ii) adaptation to the effects of climate change in the State.

F24[(1A) The Advisory Council shall prepare and submit to the Minister—

(a) a proposed carbon budget programme under section 6A(4),

(b) a proposed carbon budget under section 6A(6)(a), and

(c) proposed amendments, if any, to a provisional carbon budget under section 6A(6)(b).]

(2) For the purposes of the performance of its functions, the Advisory Council may—

(a) gather such information as it considers necessary or appropriate, and

(b) meet and consult with such persons (including members of the public) as it considers appropriate.

(3) The Advisory Council shall be independent in the performance of its functions.