Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2021

Tuesday, 16 November 2021

Questions (44, 45, 48)

Neale Richmond

Question:

44. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the COP26 United Nations climate change conference. [54388/21]

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

45. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the recent COP 26 United Nations climate change conference. [54391/21]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

48. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach the measures he will take to achieve the aspirations arising from discussions at the COP 26 United Nations climate change conference. [54701/21]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 44, 45 and 48 together.

I participated in the World Leaders Summit at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on 1-2 November.

At the Action and Solidarity round-table discussion for leaders on 1 November, I expressed Ireland’s strong commitment to global action to deliver on the goals of the Paris Agreement and keep global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees centigrade.

On 2 November, I delivered Ireland’s National Statement to the plenary session, taking the opportunity to reiterate our climate ambition, and our commitment to supporting small island developing states and least developed countries, many of whom are very vulnerable to climate change. I announced that Ireland is more than doubling its climate finance contribution to at least €225m a year by 2025.

The Conference provided an opportunity to engage with many of my fellow leaders from around the world. I had formal bilateral meetings with the Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, and with Fijian Prime Minister, Josaia (Frank) Bainimarama. Over the course of the Summit, I also had informal meetings and exchanges with the US President, the Prime Ministers of Iceland, India, Israel, Norway, Palau, Vietnam, and many of my EU colleagues including Presidents Michel and von der Leyen.

I also spoke with Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, as well as First Minister Paul Givan and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill.

During my visit, I also met a delegation of researchers and students from UCC, members of the Dingle Sustainable Energy Community, and youth delegates from Ethiopia and Burkina Faso, whose attendance at COP26 is supported by Irish Aid.

Questions Nos. 46 and 47 resubmitted.

Question No. 48 answered with Question No. 44.

Questions Nos. 49 to 51, inclusive, resubmitted.