Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will definitely take the opportunity.

I know the departmental officials were here to hear the earlier contributions from the civil society representatives. Some of the comments were fairly damning of Ireland's position on the COP and how we perform. While we seem to make some commitments, it seems to be window dressing and we are not doing anything in particular. For example, in his contribution Professor Sweeney said that at COP24 last year 27 countries resolved to step up their ambition by 2020. These included the following EU nations: Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Sweden. Why did Ireland refuse to sign that?

Eight member states of the European Union wrote to the Commission last week urging an increase in the EU’s 2030 target from 40% to 55%. Why did Ireland refuse to sign that?

Professor Sweeney also said that on climate finance, Ireland has not distinguished itself as generous to the Green Climate Fund which was established at COP16. The consensus from them was that we are good at saying things, but we are very poor at doing. I ask the officials to comment on that as they may have a different view.