Pauline O'Reilly (Green Party)
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I thank the witnesses for their contributions. There is a significant amount in it, as others have said. Ireland, through the Minister, Deputy Ryan, but also the Department of Foreign Affairs, was core to getting loss and damage established last year. As Ireland now has that reputation, it is important that we play that pivotal role. On the issue in respect of debt, one would not want loss and damage funds to be put in place only for them to be eaten away by paying back debt. It would not make sense. Mr. O'Neill referred to the importance of making these global deals. When it comes to corporate tax, it is not so much about the tax and the individual country but, rather, it is about competition for business. We do not like to say that in such bare terms but that is exactly what it is. We cannot do it alone. That must be clear. That €1.5 billion to €2.5 billion is a scary amount of money when one considers it is equivalent to approximately half the annual housing budget in this country. What three things would the witnesses love to see coming out of the loss and damage? I refer to the importance of getting the other aspects, such as debt management, in place at the same time. What are we expecting other countries to do? What would be the fair share of the US or China, using those calculations? I am interested in the comparison in that regard. Ultimately, this is a negotiation. it has to make sense for countries and we have to all do it together.