Climate Change Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2016

Tuesday, 25 October 2016

Ceisteanna (533)

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

533. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the timeline towards ratifying the COP 21 agreement on climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31588/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The Paris Agreement puts in place the necessary framework for all countries to take ambitious action as well as providing for a transparency system to ensure that all countries can have confidence in each other's efforts. The Agreement aims to tackle 95% of global emissions through 188 Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). Ireland will contribute to the Paris Agreement via the INDC tabled by the EU on behalf of its Member States which commits to 40% reduction in EU-wide emissions by 2030 compared to 1990. The specific details of the contribution to be made by each Member State to this overall ambition remains to be finalised, and Ireland is currently examining proposals made by the European Commission in this regard.

As of Monday 24 October 2016, 84 Parties to the Convention (including the EU and ten Member States) accounting in total for 60.99 per cent of the total global greenhouse gas emissions have deposited their instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval. Therefore in accordance with Article 21 (1) the Agreement will enter into force at the next Conference of the Parties (COP22) which will be held in Marrakesh from 7 to 18 November 2016.

Ireland is a strong supporter of the Paris Agreement and indicated its continuing commitment by signing the Agreement, along with other EU member states, at the signing ceremony in New York on 22nd April this year. Ireland began its domestic ratification process on 18 October with the agreement of Government to seek the approval of Dáil Éireann for Ireland to ratify the agreement. The Paris Agreement has since been laid before the Dáil and will be debated on Thursday 27th October with the aim of completing the process prior to COP 22, which takes place in Marrakesh from 7 to 18 November 2016.