Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

93. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the role the new climate unit in his Department will play in addressing the global climate crisis and devising a strategy to scale up Ireland’s climate finance contributions as outlined in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13672/21]

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Delivering on a commitment in the Programme for Government, a dedicated Climate Unit was established last autumn in the Development Cooperation and Africa Division in my Department. The establishment of the Climate Unit will facilitate a more holistic and effective Irish engagement on global climate issues, and guide the process now underway of doubling the proportion of Irish Official Development Assistance which contributes to climate action.

This year a key moment will be the COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, from 1-12 November. My Department will be working with Ireland’s national delegation, led by Minister Ryan and the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Communications, in preparing Ireland’s national position for COP 26.

In addition, the Climate Unit is working, through the network of our Embassies, with EU partners, and in other relevant fora, as well as with relevant Government Departments to advocate on Ireland's climate priorities on the road to COP 26.

The first priority for the Climate Unit to COP26 is to promote the Adaptation and Resilience agenda, assisting Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States to adapt to climate change, change which they are already experiencing.

Its second priority is advocating for a Sustainable Blue Economy, which includes adaptation, as well as the protection of our oceans.

Its third priority is to lobby for the inclusion of climate considerations in UN Security Council mandates and Resolutions, wisely using the opportunity provided by Ireland co-chairing the experts' group on Climate and Security at the UN Security Council.

The Climate Unit is working across the development programme and other Department of Foreign Affairs initiatives to climate proof the work of the Department.

The Unit also manages Irish Aid funding for climate specific initiatives, with a 2021 budget of €11.7 million, which will support activities in line with the aforementioned three climate diplomacy priorities. There is also specific funding for climate justice activities.

Together with relevant Government Departments, in a process it co-chairs with officials from the Department of Finance, the Climate Unit is working on a Climate Finance Roadmap, to be finalised this year. This will set out a plan for an increase in the quantity and quality of Irish climate finance, while also seeking to optimise inter-Departmental coherence and coordination.