Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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65. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has examined the recent UN report which found that globally, the world is nowhere near reaching targets of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees' Celsius, and is on course for warming of over 2 degrees' Celsius; his views on whether global failure is mirrored by Ireland’s ongoing failure to limit and reduce emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55316/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I am very concerned by the latest findings of the UN Emissions Gap Report, which highlights the alarming and unequivocal message that the international community needs to drastically step-up collective climate ambition if we are to slow down and reverse the increase in the average global temperature. However, it is encouraging to note that the UNFCCC Synthesis report shows countries are bending the curve of global greenhouse gas emissions downward but more needs to be done to keep the 1.5 temperature goal within reach. Major economies need to intensify efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ireland recognises that a reliance on fossil fuels is incompatible with the Paris Agreement and a low-carbon future. As a member of the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance, we are committed to accelerating the shift away from fossil fuel dependence. Through the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 Ireland has ceased issuing new licences for oil and gas exploration. The Act also requires the introduction of carbon budgets and sectoral emission ceilings that provide for a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, relative to 2018 levels. These ceilings will be reflected in the next Climate Action Plan, which will be published in the coming weeks. This will build on the 2021 Plan and set out the policies, measures and actions to keep us within our carbon budgets and on the pathway to a net-zero emissions economy by 2050, thereby contributing to the global effort to remain under the 1.5 degrees target.