Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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179. To ask the Taoiseach to outline his engagements during the UN Ocean Climate Summit in Nice. [37356/25]

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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On 8 and 9 June I attended the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice which was co-chaired by France and Costa Rica. Its mission was to accelerate action on the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.

As an island nation, Ireland is keenly aware of the importance of the marine environment and the other roles our waters play, including as a vital trade route. The UN Ocean Conference was an opportunity to discuss and collaborate on ways to secure the future of our oceans and seas.

On 8 June, I attended the inauguration of the Ocean Conference ‘Green Zone’, hosted by President Macron. Here I had the opportunity to meet with many of my counterparts attending the event.

On 9 June, I took part in an event to launch the EU Ocean pact, hosted by Ursula von der Leyen and Preside Macron. I also delivered the National Statement on behalf of Ireland at the main plenary session of the UN Ocean Conference.