Mr. Johnny Sheehan:

Dóchas is a space where large and small development NGOs come together. The Chairman has mentioned the development prospectus, which has been very active in the north east. Large and small organisations have been very active in the European year of development. We are trying to get across the key message that each of us can make a difference. Last year was pivotal because as a result of the international agreements, we have the opportunity to be the first generation to end poverty worldwide. We are the last generation that can take effective action on climate change so it is a critical moment. The Chairman is right when he says there is a demand for additional information. Communication cannot be confined to 2015; it is critical that it continues. Through the Dóchas network of organisations, we will continue to communicate and try to change the way people think and talk about global justice and development issues. Critically, we also need to change how people behave. That will not be achieved in one year. We have made a good start but the work needs to continue.

Dr. Gold mentioned the code of conduct on images and messages. We are very aware of the impact that the images and messages used have on people's attitudes and behaviours. One of the successes of the year has been in the communication of these messages. In September, in the lead-up to the UN summit, we had a big campaign to try to get across the message that each of us can make a difference. There was a very noticeable increase in the number of people coming to our website looking for information and there was a big surge in search terms such as "How can I make a difference?" and "I want to make a difference". People in Ireland wanted to do something and to take action so it is critical to continue with this communication. A couple of the Deputies mentioned sustainable agriculture and climate change. Through its working groups, Dóchas published a paper on climate smart agriculture and we could certainly make copies of that available to the committee.

We hope the committee will put sustainable development goals and climate change on their agenda when it reconvenes after the general election.

We would ask that the Oireachtas committee invite the Taoiseach to talk to the committee in regard to how Ireland is going to implement the sustainable development goals, deal with its obligations around action on climate change, and address how that fits in at a European level. As on the previous occasion, we ask the committee to provide a place for Members of the Oireachtas to receive updates on how the European Union is embedding the new global agreements and to act as a focal point to bring the information to the Oireachtas.