Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 November 2023
44. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if Ireland plans to withdraw from the energy charter treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51250/23]
View answerI have publicly stated, most recently on the ninth of this month in this House that the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) is not fit for purpose. The removal of fossil fuels and elimination or reduction of the sunset clause were key asks for Ireland as part of the modernisation process.
The Energy Charter Treaty modernisation has not progressed adequately. Therefore, Europe has signalled a full exit from the treaty should be undertaken now that modernisation has not been possible.
Throughout this process Ireland has expressed strong views within the EU on the compatibility of the Paris Climate Agreement and the ECT dispute resolution mechanism. We continue to express our 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.
Ireland has signalled its intent to leave the Energy Charter Treaty but wants to do so in a coordinated way with the other Member States. Ireland is engaging with our EU partners on the way forward to achieve this.
Ireland is among nine EU Member States who have indicated they are withdrawing from the ECT; Italy left in 2015.
My Department is currently engaging with the Attorney General's Office on legal issues relating to the withdrawal process, which I expect to bring to Government to align with the coordinated EU withdrawal
