Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

48. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to participate in the upcoming COP26 summit; if he will be supporting calls for measures to be taken to curb the pollution of large multinational corporations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47161/21]

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

Ireland is committed to concerted global action to address the climate crisis. Ireland is actively engaged in negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate and the Paris Agreement through our participation in EU preparations for the 26th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) in Glasgow. 

The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications leads Ireland’s delegation to COP26, with my Department’s participation. Should scheduling and prevailing public health arrangements at the time permit, I would intend to participate in COP26 as part of Ireland’s national delegation.

With other Departments, my officials been involved in discussions that will help shape the EU’s position on a number of key issues for a successful outcome of the COP, including strengthening the resilience of developing countries and climate vulnerable communities to adapt to the impacts of climate change. The EU position is not yet finalised and it is anticipated that it will be agreed at the next Environment Council in October.

Ireland strongly endorses the further strengthening of international climate action and particularly aligning national climate action with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. All actors, including the private sector and larger multinational companies are expected to contribute to stronger climate action. The European Green Deal, launched earlier this year provides a clear signal that all sectors of society will be part of the effort to pursue zero-carbon and climate resilient pathways.