Wednesday, 23 Nov 2022

Written Answers Nos. 1-44

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Ceisteanna (21)

Ivana Bacik

Ceist:

21. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at COP27. [56411/22]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I participated in the World Leaders Summit at the 27th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh on 7-8 November.

On 8 November, I delivered Ireland’s National Statement to the plenary session, taking the opportunity to set out Ireland’s climate ambition and the Government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable countries who, despite having contributed least to climate change, are bearing the brunt of its impact.

I also engaged in a number of high-level events and roundtables, including on food security and on the sustainability of vulnerable communities.

I highlighted Ireland’s commitment of over €800 million to support nutrition over the next 5 years, and over €100 million to our response to the devastating drought and food security crisis in countries in the Horn of Africa.

I joined the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, and the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, at a high level event on ‘The Global Shield Against Climate Risks’, where I announced that Ireland will contribute €10 million to the Global Shield initiative for 2023.

I also availed of my visit to COP to hold a bilateral meeting with the President of Vanuatu and had the opportunity to engage with a number of fellow world leaders over the course of the two days.

I heard first hand from the Prime Minister of Pakistan and others of the devastation caused to their countries by the devastating impacts of climate change.

I also met with the Secretary General of Amnesty International, Agnès Callamard, and our discussion focused on the important topic of loss and damage, and on the legal consequences of climate change.

While there I met with a number of Irish youth climate advocates, representatives of humanitarian NGOs, a number of academics and students from UCC and UCD, and with a representative from the EPA.

Questions Nos. 22 to 42, inclusive, resubmitted.

Cabinet Committees

Ceisteanna (43)

Ivana Bacik

Ceist:

43. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment last met; and when it will next meet. [57823/22]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery met most recently on 3 October. The next meeting is scheduled for 28 November.