An environmental "think tank" on sustainable development was launched in Dublin yesterday by the Minister for the Environment, Mr Dempsey.

Chaired by Dr John Bowman, the RTE broadcaster and historian, the new body, Comhar, will offer the Minister "solicited and unsolicited" advice on all issues of sustainable development - development that does not damage the environment.

It has a remit to examine and make recommendations in three areas:

influencing behaviour on climate change, including limiting growth in greenhouse gas emissions;

adding to Ireland's input to this year's EU wide assessment of the environment and sustainable development policy;

finding good practice models to promote environmentally sustainable behaviour in areas such as eco-labelling, environmental management and communication.

The Minister said the body was a "key element" of the Government's commitment to develop and implement and integrated environmental policy in partnership and consultation with the relevant stakeholders.