Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

That is welcome, as the consequence if Ireland and other countries do not have a strong voice at Addis Ababa will be a continuation of the draining of phenomenal amounts of money from countries of the global south. This is because of financial flows, tax injustice and the cost of climate change. Financial transparency and accountability, which equates to country-by-country reporting, is vital. Globalisation has allowed the multinationals to dodge their tax obligations. Ireland can be a voice at Addis Ababa. It is welcome that the sustainable development goals will cover all countries, as there is certainly much unfinished business from the millennium development goals, which did not help those who are poorest, or women and children.

Climate change is the topic in Geneva, and the Taoiseach mentioned the Pope's Laudato si'. On Monday and Tuesday, there was a climate change conference in Maynooth. We know the relevant issues are pollution, waste and reduced biodiversity, which all contribute to climate change, which means that inequality and poverty will continue. My question referred to our climate change Bill, although it does not mention climate justice, which is so important. Nevertheless, in 2013, at the climate change conference hosted by the Government, the Government supported the principle of climate justice. I ask the Taoiseach to ensure that our climate change Bill will include the principle of climate justice, as otherwise we could be accused of hypocrisy; we would be saying one thing on the international stage but something very different nationally.

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