asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he intends to take any major international initiative as regards concerns expressed about international environmental issues such as global warming, the destruction of tropical rain forests and the ongoing destruction of the ozone layer having regard to the various global implications of these issues.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - International Environmental Issues.
9.
I believe strongly that there is need for urgent action at international level to deal with the rapidly growing threats to our global environment posed by the greenhouse effect, the thinning of the ozone layer and the destruction of tropical rain forests. There is clearly a new sense of concern internationally about these issues and I welcome this.
I consider, however, that an effort by Ireland to take major initiatives itself on these matters at this stage could lead to duplication of effort and inter-organisational conflicts, and that it is better to build on, and press for further development of the work already under way both at EC level and in other international fora.
I will, therefore, be supporting moves to strengthen existing agencies such as the United Nations Environment Programme and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in order to make them more effective. We will also follow closely, and fully support, the steps to be taken shortly within the Community to set up the European Environment Agency announced at the meeting of the European Council in Madrid at the end of last month.
I welcome the approach as outlined by the Minister. When he makes his traditional speech in the United Nations in the autumn, will he ensure there is a specific section in that speech detailing our concerns about environmental issues and the worries we have in this country as to the possible impact of climatic changes? Will he indicate whether he will take a supportive approach to the proposed international convention on climate change that was discussed at the recent Paris Conference and as referred to in the Communique of the seven major states participating at that Conference over the weekend?
I welcome the Deputy's supplementary. With regard to the first part, I would be glad to give his suggestion every consideration. To tell the truth I had not got down to planning out the framework of the speech at the UN but I share Deputy Shatter's view that that would have to be part of any contribution being made. The second part of the Deputy's question was concerned with the recent meeting in Paris.
It is the proposed convention which the seven nations discussed in Paris last weekend.
This is something I will have to take into consideration and take advice on from the officials in my Department.
I would suggest that rather than our stepping on toes and creating difficulties we are in a unique position in Europe and in the context of the United Nations to act as an intermediary between Third World countries and the more developed countries in that particular steps are required with regard to the environment in Third World countries which those countries do not have the financial wherewithal to tackle. We should pay a role as an intermediary between the industrial nations and the Third World seeking to resolve some of the ongoing problems, such as the destruction of the tropical rain forest in Brazil and the implications of their ceasing to destroy those forests vis-á-vis their debt position. Another case would be the introduction of a ban on CFCs within other Third World countries where they do not have the technology to cater otherwise for some of the uses to which CFCs are currently put. This is a new area in the Department of Foreign Affairs in which we could play a very significant role on the global stage.
I take on board the comments by Deputy Shatter and I will give them every consideration. I do not think I could differ from him on anything he said.
Is there a specific senior official within the Department who has been appointed to prepare material on these matters? In view of the Minister's emphasis on the Community position and the United Nations position, is he in a position to place in the Library of the House any working papers such as a person or sub-Department might have prepared?
I would have to make inquiries within the Department to answer that question in full. I believe the person responsible is in the economic division but I am not sure if a specific person has been appointed. Also, I am not sure what role will be played by the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Deputy Harney, in co-ordinating on behalf of the rest of us. As soon as these matters are clarified, I will get in touch with the Deputy and let him know what is happening.
Thank you.
Questions Nos. 10 and 11 have been disposed of. Question No. 12.