Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

I appreciate that. The brevity of the Taoiseach's answer causes my additional questions. I understand from the Taoiseach's reply that he will attend the Copenhagen meeting. That is very welcome news to Members of the House. It sends a strong message that Ireland is committed to dealing with climate change. I ask the Taoiseach to consider that the message might be stronger if he was to attend carrying in his briefcase a climate change Bill published ahead of his visit with the support of all parties. The Taoiseach is aware of the Oireachtas committee report that sets out the heads of such a Bill. It has all-party support and strong support from the Fianna Fáil committee members. Will the Minister ensure that this Bill is published before he attends the Copenhagen meeting?

Regarding overseas development aid, can the Taoiseach assure us that the commitments made by Ireland to deal with the management of climate change in poor countries will not be removed from the overseas development aid budget but will be additional to it?

See this speech in context