Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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140. To ask the Taoiseach if climate change was discussed at the recent meeting between the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States; if targets were agreed; the actions to tackle climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24499/15]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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141. To ask the Taoiseach if energy prices were discussed at the recent meeting between the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24500/15]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 141 together.

The second EU-CELAC Summit took place in Brussels on 10 and 11 June. It brought together Heads of State and Government from the European Union, Latin American and the Caribbean under the headline theme ‘Shaping our common future: Working for prosperous, cohesive and sustainable societies for our citizens’.

Many of the contributors to the debate raised the question of climate change and energy. The joint declaration issued after the Summit reaffirms our collective commitment to protecting the global climate for future generations and our collective will to reach a binding agreement under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The declaration acknowledges the differentiated levels of responsibility and capability between countries and regions but notes that a shared responsibility to take action on climate change exists and that a concerted effort should be made to reach an agreement to reduce emissions so that global temperature increases are limited to below 2°C.

Energy was also discussed in the context of climate change. The Action Plan adopted at the Summit committed to improving energy efficiency, realising energy savings, improving accessibility, developing and deploying renewable energies and promoting increased energy interconnection.

Ireland has a strong track record on tackling climate change and we will continue to play our role, including as part of the EU contribution to the global effort to address climate change. In this regard, we are encouraging all countries to provide their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions to contribute to the success of the COP 21 meetings in Paris at the end of this year.

Attached are the Political Declaration of the Summit entitled “A Partnership for the Next Generation” and the Action Plan agreed at the Summit.