Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will seek movement towards a sustainable common position regarding climate change in view of the disappointing outcome of the Copenhagen conference; if Ireland supports the achievement of such within the framework of the UN. [7140/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland had hoped that the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen would result in a comprehensive legally binding agreement to succeed the Kyoto Protocol. This did not happen, but we remain committed to achieving a binding climate change agreement within the UN framework as soon as possible.

Ireland will continue to work within the EU, and in our bilateral contacts, to advance the climate change agenda with our international partners. We are leading by example – Ireland and all EU Member States have made an ambitious emissions reductions pledge, with a conditional offer to increase our pledge even further, and the Government has announced a contribution of up to €100 million for fast-start funding for climate change action in the developing world for the period 2010-2012, as part of an overall EU pledge of over €7 billion.

We have also associated ourselves with the Copenhagen Accord, which represents a useful first step and includes important positive elements, such as recognition of the scientific advice on the need to limit the increase in global temperature to within 2 degrees Centigrade of pre-industrial levels. More than 90 countries - including the EU Member States - have associated themselves with the Accord, with many either making pledges relating to emission reductions, or providing information on nationally appropriate mitigation actions.