Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 October 2026
87. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions she and her Department have taken diplomatically at EU and UN level to pursue global action on climate commitments and the Paris Agreement following the heatwaves, flooding, and other extreme weather events globally in recent months. [69076/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis year has seen devastating heatwaves, floods, droughts and storms affecting communities across every region of the world. The summer wildfires in Europe and the recent devastation in Nepal are stark reminders that climate change is not a future threat but a present reality, underscoring the urgency of global action.
At EU and UN level, Ireland continues to advocate for ambitious implementation of the Paris Agreement and stronger international action to address the effects of climate change. As EU Presidency, Ireland is leading engagement with EU Member States, the European Commission and international partners in advance of COP31 in Antalya in November. We are working to build consensus around outcomes on emissions reduction, adaptation, climate finance and loss and damage, with the objective of keeping the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C goal within reach.
At the United Nations, including during UN General Assembly High-Level Week, we have engaged with UN partners, fellow Member States and vulnerable countries on preparations for COP31. Ireland consistently advocates for the prioritisation of adaptation finance for Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States, with a particular emphasis on grant-based support.
This is reflected across Ireland's own international climate finance with, 89% of which supports adaptation, helping vulnerable communities to strengthen their resilience and prepare for a changing climate.
Helping countries respond to loss and damage caused by climate extremes is also a priority for Ireland. Ireland played a leading role within the EU negotiating team on this issue and now shares a seat with the European Commission on the Board of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. The first grants from the Fund are expected to be awarded later this year with an allocation of at least 50% of the Fund's resources to Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States, a key Irish priority during negotiations.
Through our work in the European Union, the United Nations and the wider multilateral system, Ireland will continue to advocate for ambitious climate action and for effective support to those countries and communities most vulnerable to the impact of climate change.
