Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, the new Department with responsibility for climate action, communication networks and transport will lead on the Government's participation in the UN's framework for action on climate change. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is actively engaged in this process through its participation in the Irish national delegation. Members of the delegation, including officials from my Department, meet on a regular basis to co-ordinate and share information and ensure Ireland's interests are advanced within the process.

It had been intended to hold the UN's 26th climate change conference, commonly known as COP26, in November this year.

However, due to the pandemic it has been postponed for a year until November 2021. Despite the postponement, Ireland continues to engage through the European Union in ongoing preparations for the conference. Many of Ireland's delegation are active in a number of working groups and are preparing positions in advance of the conference. In the run-up to it, I anticipate that this co-ordination will increasingly focus on agreeing EU negotiation positions and identifying opportunities for collaboration with other countries on specific initiatives.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade plays a strong role within the EU on adaptation to climate change, specifically as it relates to some of the poorest countries in the world, which are the most vulnerable to effects of climate change. The Department is also involved in ensuring the global climate effort is equally responsive to the needs of women and men. My officials and I will continue to work closely with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and his officials to maximise Ireland's contribution to the success of the conference and the global response to climate change.

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