Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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37. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland is preparing any diplomatic initiatives ahead of this year’s UN Climate Conference COP 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40315/24]

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland is actively involved in negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in preparation for COP29 in Azerbaijan. The Government is engaging on key issues for a successful outcome of COP29, particularly related to strengthening the resilience of the most vulnerable countries.

Each COP Presidency appoints ‘Ministerial pairs’ from developed and developing countries to assist with the COP negotiations. This year, the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications has been asked to work alongside Costa Rica on the issue of climate adaptation. This is a mediation role to drive progress on negotiations. The invitation to undertake this role is a recognition of the long-track record Ireland has in providing support for adaptation.

I was very pleased that the Government was able to increase the allocation for international climate finance in Budget 2025. This will ensure that we meet our target of providing at least €225 million per year in 2025. Ireland’s steadfast commitment to climate finance for the most vulnerable is helpful in the context of the new collective climate finance goal to be agreed at COP29, the negotiations on which the Government is actively engaged in.

Loss and Damage is another key issue for COP29. Ireland, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, is on the Board of the new Fund for responding to Loss and Damage. We are working actively to ensure that the Fund, agreed at COP 28 last year, becomes operational as soon as possible. Ireland’s main priority remains to ensure that vulnerable countries and communities can access the Fund.

In preparation for COP29, the Department is also supporting the creation of a multi-faith women-led Climate Action network, alongside former President Mary Robinson. This will encourage collaboration among women’s networks from indigenous, tribal and faith traditions, to foster joint climate action.