Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach described the draft text put forward by the COP presidency as disappointing. I would describe it as disgraceful. There is no clear commitment to phasing out fossil fuels, correctly described as a death cert for small island states. It is clear the Minister, Deputy Ryan, will not sign that text but the concern is there will be a splitting of the difference. I would be opposed to signing that. I would like to hear the Taoiseach's comments.

The negotiating position put forward by the Minister is far from sound. I refer to carbon emission cuts in the EU of 57% by 2030 when scientists are telling us it needs to be 76%, watering down the idea of ending fossil fuels, adding the word "unabated" and no date for coal being phased out in the European Union. Young people are going to have to fight for their futures against the powers that be irrespective of who wins the debate today.

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