Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2024
123. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans for the Government to endorse the call for a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3401/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur reliance on fossil fuels is incompatible with the Paris Agreement and a low-carbon future. Ireland supports measures that reinforce and advance our transition away from reliance on fossil fuels and, while we have not signed the Fossil Fuel non-proliferation Treaty, we continue to follow its progress and development.
We are acting both domestically and internationally to tackle our reliance on fossil fuels. Following the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act 2018, the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund divested from fossil fuel companies and holds a list of companies in which it will not invest. Ireland has also ended the issuing of new exploration licences for fossil fuels and will manage existing authorisations towards a natural conclusion, through expiration, relinquishment, or production.
International collaboration is key to achieving the widespread, transformative change needed to tackle climate change. At COP26, Ireland joined the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance (BOGA) because of our determination to shift the global relationship with nature from a place of extraction to rehabilitation.
This commitment was demonstrated further at COP27 when Ireland joined the Global Offshore Wind Alliance to create a global driving force for the uptake of offshore wind through political mobilisation and the creation of a global community of practice.
At COP28, Ireland continued to advocate for the move away from fossil fuels. I participated in a number of BOGA events and attended a High-Level Dialogue on International Cooperation for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and attended other related meetings.
I continue to keep signing the Treaty under review.
