Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

First, it would be very helpful and a very strong statement if the Dáil spoke with one voice on this. It may not be possible. There is an issue in that ISIF is doing a certain amount of work anyway as a result of its divestment of its portfolio. Let us be clear: the divestment of the ISIF portfolio has nothing to do with fossil fuels. It is divesting from renewable energy. It is divesting from everything in the global portfolio so it has nothing to do with fossil fuels. The issue is whether we will send out a signal that the Parliament is saying we are recognising the emerging threat of climate change and taking action, and that State money will not be invested in fossil fuel companies in the future. That has not happened. It is a consequence of a decision we took in Parliament a number of years ago reflecting a view that we wanted to invest in Ireland as opposed to internationally but that equally means that ISIF is also selling shares in renewable energy wind farms or solar farms in which it could be investing. It has nothing to do with climate change, global warning or fossil fuels. It is a question of principle. Does the Government believe the Irish investment - our money - should not be in fossil fuel companies internationally?