Written answers

Thursday, 1 October 2015

Department of Finance

Climate Change Policy

Photo of Robert DowdsRobert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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56. To ask the Minister for Finance if Ireland will make a contribution to the Green Climate Fund and, if so, the extent of the contribution, and when it will be paid. [33692/15]

Photo of Michael NoonanMichael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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At the outset, it has to be noted that the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government is, of course, the Minister with lead responsibility, inter alia, for climate change matters. However, as Minister for Finance I have over-riding responsibility to take into account the financial implications of climate change, including Ireland's potential involvement in international climate finance, insofar as these matters may impact domestically on the National Budget. In this respect therefore, I must have regard to economic and budgetary constraints, together with Ireland's obligations under the Stability and Growth Pact, in considering possible public financial contributions in the area of international climate finance.

Against this background, an inter-Departmental technical working group has been established to actively consider and present feasible options for scaling-up/mobilisation of international climate finance in the period to 2020, including via the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This work includes consideration of both public and private finance options as well as policy instruments. A decision to contribute to the GCF and the size of any such contribution would, of course, require Government approval in the first instance and would fall to be implemented by the Minister for Finance if required. 

As with Ireland's involvement with other International Institutions such as the World Bank and funds established by such Institutions, my officials will work closely with officials from other relevant Departments and Agencies to ensure a whole-of-Government approach is taken to meet our policy objectives and optimise outcomes for Ireland.  In this manner, it is envisaged that my officials would work closely with those from the Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government and other Departments/Agencies should any contribution be made by Ireland to the GCF.

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