Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Obviously, we all agree that climate justice has to be achieved if there is to be equity and fairness across the world, including in developing nations. We have a very proud record in Ireland in the areas of social and political justice, as demonstrated by Irish people working abroad with GOAL and various other voluntary organisations. Our commitment to the Third World is top class.

I do not see why we should not commit to this proposal in this legislation, notwithstanding what the Minister said. He said it is aspirational and does not have legitimacy in terms of the law. It is aspirational but we should include it in our legislation as an ideal for us to strive to achieve. We all strive for it, as was rightly stated. To paraphrase the Minister, the whole ethos of our society has been to give and not to be taking, and to support and defend those who are least able to defend themselves. Every single day we read the newspapers, we learn about major unparalleled and unprecedented events associated with climate change that are affecting people living in the very poorest regions of the world. I suggest to the Minister that, for Report and Final Stages of the Bill, he consider this proposal again, notwithstanding the advice that I accept has been given to him in good faith. If we were to legislate as proposed, we would be seen to be standing with those who are least able to fight and those who are most oppressed economically and most exposed. I understand that many of the people who will be affected most by climate change live on flood plains and plains where the very principle of rotating crops can be applied no more.

If the spirit of the amendment, with which I do not believe any party would disagree, could be incorporated in legislation, it should be. We accept that the amendment is aspirational. Could the Minister outline the negative impact he believes might arise if the amendment were accepted? What does the advice have to say about it? Did the Minister seek the advice of the Attorney General or a law officer on the impact? The provision, if included, would be very important.