Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

On climate change, I was glad the Taoiseach attended the United Nations summit on climate change. It sent out a very important signal. I also welcome his statement today that he will ensure the facilitation of a meeting between the sub-committee and the Joint Oireachtas Committee. Would it be possible for the Taoiseach to attend that meeting, because he is chairperson of the sub-committee? It would be important for us to have a round-table discussion in advance of what will be decided in Copenhagen. Can the Taoiseach give the House some clarification on the advisory panel?

I understand the climate change committee has an advisory panel of in-house civil servants and senior departmental officials. Who are the members of the international advisory panel mentioned by the Taoiseach? I am a little unclear on the role of that panel. I will not ask the Taoiseach about the agenda for tomorrow's meeting of the sub-committee because the rules of Cabinet confidentiality prohibit him from giving me such information. However, I advise him that certain organisations representing the interests of the developing world are concerned that our overseas aid budget will be hijacked to ensure we can meet our obligations under the EU's climate change policy. Will the Taoiseach ensure that does not happen? Will he focus on the additionality that is so important if we are to protect the overseas aid budget? I understand it is no longer proposed that heads of state will attend the Copenhagen summit. Does the Taoiseach share that understanding? Perhaps he will update the House on the matter.

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