Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

In the coming weeks there will be an official announcement on the leadership shown by Trinity College Dublin in divesting from the use of fossil fuels. This would be the perfect time to invite the Minister for Communications, Climate Change and Environment, Deputy Denis Naughten, to come to the House to discuss how this policy could have a more far-reaching impact in other sectors. The issue of fossil fuel divestment came to me at the beginning of my presidency via a freedom of information request. The leadership shown by the students and the college was commendable. The chief financial officer and the provost had an open engagement with us from the beginning. They allowed students to attend finance and investment committee and board meetings in order that we might make the case for divestment. This is a good example for other student movements that are also trying to address the issues of climate change and fossil fuel divestment. For example, students at NUI Galway are being met with closed doors. To coincide with the official worldwide announcement by various bodies that are divesting from the use of fossil fuels, we should invite the Minister to discuss the issue.