Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020
31. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his preparations for the climate conference which has been postponed until 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17964/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis year's planned UN conference on climate change has had to be postponed until next year. This gives an opportunity, in the light of the European green deal, for Ireland to plan a more coherent approach to that conference, particularly in the context of the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in leveraging change across the international community. I would like to hear how Ireland is approaching this challenge.
As the Deputy is aware, the new Department with responsibility for climate action, communication networks and transport will lead on the Government's participation in the UN's framework for action on climate change. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is actively engaged in this process through its participation in the Irish national delegation. Members of the delegation, including officials from my Department, meet on a regular basis to co-ordinate and share information and ensure Ireland's interests are advanced within the process.
It had been intended to hold the UN's 26th climate change conference, commonly known as COP26, in November this year.
However, due to the pandemic it has been postponed for a year until November 2021. Despite the postponement, Ireland continues to engage through the European Union in ongoing preparations for the conference. Many of Ireland's delegation are active in a number of working groups and are preparing positions in advance of the conference. In the run-up to it, I anticipate that this co-ordination will increasingly focus on agreeing EU negotiation positions and identifying opportunities for collaboration with other countries on specific initiatives.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade plays a strong role within the EU on adaptation to climate change, specifically as it relates to some of the poorest countries in the world, which are the most vulnerable to effects of climate change. The Department is also involved in ensuring the global climate effort is equally responsive to the needs of women and men. My officials and I will continue to work closely with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and his officials to maximise Ireland's contribution to the success of the conference and the global response to climate change.
Everyone recognises that Covid-19 is an appalling tragedy for many countries, particularly the least developed ones, but it also offers an opportunity to embed real structural change as we move forward and try to resolve it. There is a risk that low oil prices and the urgency of immediate priorities might result in the wrong decisions being taken. It would be worthwhile for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to work with colleagues in Europe to flag that moneys will be made available for structural shifts to embed long-term and low-carbon solutions in countries which we seek to aid. This is a very good opportunity to set out that stall now and I encourage the Minister of State to get his officials to take such an approach.
I agree that something can be done on that issue in co-operation with our fellow European countries. Contributing to climate finance is very important. In 2018, Ireland provided €80 million in international climate finance, which mostly focused on adaptation for poor countries. The majority of that money was counted within the official Department assistance and was almost entirely in grant form. The final figure for 2019 is still being collated and will be made available soon. I take the Deputy's point and it is a very important one.
I wish to back up what my colleague has said. Since the Covid crisis, our development budget is being restructured in many ways. We are looking to re-prioritise how we spend a significant amount of money. Ireland spends about €840 million on development assistance each year. We are looking at how we can effectively reshape that programme in the context of Covid-19 and we are open to talking to other countries about how they are doing the same, by using this extraordinary disruption and tragedy as a way of potentially reshaping economic activity and getting people back to work in the same way we are doing here.
I am conscious of the time. I am trying to get as many Deputies in as I can.
I congratulate the Leas-Cheann Comhairle on her elevation to the post. I have started to read the book she recommended to me.
The EU green deal is an exciting moment for Europe and it offers the opportunity for Europe to change something for the good globally. It is important that we use this opportunity to make sure other countries, which are in a less strong position to take on those challenges, are supported. The earlier we signal the direction of aid, the better for the adoption of an approach that will be sustainable in the long run.
