Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Taoiseach referred to the European Union as taking a lead position. In regard to the Government's role and responsibility in this matter, is it the case that we are confined in our approach in the context of our membership of the European Union, or has the Government, on behalf of the people of Ireland, engaged with countries in Africa, Asia and South America - the countries that have and are likely to suffer most by the failures to grapple with climate change? Will the Taoiseach outline whether we have taken independent initiatives and built on our work within the European Union in engaging with countries across these other continents? Does the Government intend to do so in the lead-up to Mexico and in the context of further opportunities that may subsequently present?

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