Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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130. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment what engagement his Department has had with the ESB with regard to the purchase of coal from the Cerrejón mine in Colombia, in particular with regard to the human rights and environmental issues associated with the mine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52573/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The procurement of fuels for ESB power stations is an operational matter for ESB.

The Department of Foreign Affairs officials in Dublin and the Irish Embassy in Bogota monitor the human rights situation in La Guajira region and remain in contact with the ESB on the issue.

I understand that ESB remains a member of Bettercoal whose mission is to promote continuous improvement in mining and sourcing coal for the benefit of all the people affected by the industry. ESB have advised my Department that "Bettercoal, through the Colombia Working Groups, has had frequent communications with Cerrejón and other Colombian producers where the Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) is discussed along with other issues that are brought to the attention of Bettercoal and its individual members regarding plant operations and its effect on local communities."

I have asked ESB to contact the Deputy directly to provide an update on this matter.