Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
71. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he agrees that Ireland should withdraw fully from the Energy Charter Treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35766/23]
View answer84. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update in relation to Ireland’s withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36148/23]
View answer131. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is satisfied that the provisions of the Energy Charter Treaty are constitutional; if Ireland intends to withdraw from the treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36882/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 71, 84 and 131 together.
I have publicly stated that the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) is not fit for purpose and needs to have fossil fuels removed. The ECT modernisation has not progressed adequately so far. Europe has, as a whole, signalled a full exit now that modernisation was not possible. The removal of fossil fuels and elimination or reduction of the sunset clause were key asks for Ireland as part of the modernisation process.
Ireland has signalled its intent to leave but wants to do so in a coordinated way with European colleagues. Ireland has expressed strong views within the EU on the compatibility of the Paris Climate Agreement and the Energy Charter Treaty’s dispute resolution mechanism. We continue to express our strong views within the EU on these issues and we believe that our views carry more weight in international negotiations by advocating them as part of the European Union.
My Department is engaging as necessary with the Attorney General's Office on legal issues relating to the Energy Charter Treaty.
