Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 138 together.

The Government notes and accepts the ruling delivered by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in relation to case of Verein Klimaseniorinnen Schweiz v Switzerland, and is reviewing its outcome, in close consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. In advance of this review occurring fully, it is not possible to determine what, if any, impact the ruling could have on the policy of the Government.

Although the Government shares the environmental concerns of the applicants, the global climate crisis cannot best be addressed by litigation, but instead requires collaborative global efforts – efforts to which this Government is strongly committed.

The severity of the threat facing the global community, as a result of climate change, and the urgent need for action cannot be denied. Climate change – as an urgent, complex and multifaceted challenge – needs an effective global response. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (‘UNFCCC’) and its instruments, including the Paris Agreement, is the dedicated international framework governing climate change at a global level.

Ireland considers that it is through this framework – and decisions taken at annual COPs (Conferences of the Parties) and regional, national and local actions – that the international community can most effectively respond.

Ireland remains committed to reaching the goals of the Paris Agreement, and championing progressive global action. Equity, rights-based approaches and just transition underpin our actions.

The Government is committed to addressing the crisis of climate change domestically, as well as internationally, including as an EU Member State.

Ireland’s Climate Act (2021) places our ambitious climate and emissions objectives on statutory footing. The Act also sets out the governance framework, to support us in achieving our goals of climate resilience, environmental sustainability and carbon neutrality.

Climate Action Plan 2024 was approved by Government before the end of last year, subject to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA). A public consultation is currently underway. This plan sets out how Ireland will speed up action to respond to the climate crisis, reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 137 together.

In the case of Verein Klimaseniorinnen Schweiz v Switzerland, I sought and was granted Government approval for Ireland to seek leave to intervene as a third party. This leave was granted by the European Court of Human Rights and written and oral observations were made on behalf of the State.

While the Government shares the environmental concerns of the applicants, the global climate crisis cannot best be addressed by litigation, but instead requires collaborative global efforts – efforts to which this Government is strongly committed.

The Government supports the clarification of the relevant principles of international law, in promoting individual and collective action of States to prevent climate change. To this end, Ireland co-sponsored a UN General Assembly Resolution in March 2023. That resolution requests the International Court of Justice to provide an ‘advisory opinion’ on States’ climate change obligations.

The Department of Foreign Affairs acted as agent on behalf of the Government in the proceedings. The Government was represented at the hearing of this case by one senior counsel and one junior counsel, together with officials from the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Foreign Affairs. The final costs of these proceedings have not been determined and to date no payments have been made by my Department.