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

I was struck by the fact that three years ago Denmark was able to export energy after securing all its own needs. I want to put the issue in the broader context of climate change. We are moving into sustainable development goals and Ireland has been playing a very strong role at EU and UN level. However, we are giving with one hand - and we have a very strong reputation regarding development aid - but taking with the other unless we address the climate change issues and tackle our emissions. As well as our own energy needs, there is the broader picture for our planet. One of the new sustainable development goals, which replace the millennium development goals, is about seriously tackling climate change. We cannot be hypocritical about this, giving all this development aid - and we have a high reputation there - and taking on the other hand because we are not supporting measures to combat climate change.

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