Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
190. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the final costs incurred for attendance at an event (details supplied); and if he will outline how attendees travelled to the event on behalf of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17138/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCOP27, the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties, took place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, from 6 to 18 November 2022. During the first week, Ireland was represented by the then Taoiseach Micheál Martin; then Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, and the then Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy. I led Ireland’s national delegation to COP27 for the continuation of the high-level segment during the second week of the conference. Ireland’s delegation included 54 representatives from across six Government Departments and three Agencies. A further 33 Irish representatives from a broad range of civil society, academic and industry groups were granted party overflow badges.
I was accompanied by two advisors and eight officials from my Department. Given the location of the event, all representatives of my Department flew to Sharm El-Sheikh.
While the costs associated with my Department's participation at the conference currently amount to just over €74,000, which includes travel and delegation office expenses, final costs are not yet available. A previous response in relation to costs associated with to my Department's participation at COP27 indicated that costs to date amounted to just over €81,000. Since then my Department has secured a reduction in costs from GL Events, the provider of Ireland’s COP27 delegation office, which has resulted in a reduction of our overall costs. The Department continues to engage with the Embassy of Ireland in Cairo in finalising outstanding costs related to COP27.
Questions with respect to the costs incurred by other Departments or Agencies in relation to COP27 should be directed to the appropriate Department or Agency concerned.
