Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Will the Leader make arrangements for a debate on the issue of climate change and the targets relating thereto as soon as possible? There have been some very worrying developments at EU level in this regard. EU leaders appear to be rowing back on the adoption of binding targets relating to carbon emission reductions. Environmental groups such as Friends of the Earth, among others, have voiced very strong objections to the moves being made in this regard. I welcome the fact that negotiators on behalf of Ireland have indicated that we will be holding to our targets. It is extremely serious, from the point of view of people in Europe and across the globe, for the EU to contemplate any move away from adherence to binding targets. We made great progress in respect of such targets in the past and it is very sad and disappointing to see EU leaders rowing back on the commitment to adopt binding targets.

The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, was obviously very busy yesterday because I find myself referring to him again and welcoming comments he made at the parenting in Ireland conference organised by Marriage Equality. The Minister indicated that, in the context of the child and family relationships Bill to be introduced later in the year, he will be moving to remedy the situation whereby the children of gay families and same-sex couples currently experience legal discrimination. The Minister stated he will take steps to equalise the position of children in such circumstances and to provide, at last, proper regulation in respect of children born by means of surrogacy and other reproductive methods.