Future Generations and UN Summit of the Future

Full Transcript:
Dep. Marc Ó Cathasaigh: I understand this is the Cabinet committee that discusses our approach to matters at the UN. In September this year, we will have the UN Summit of the Future. At the committee meeting of 4 December, the zero draft text for that UN summit had not yet been finalised. There is a significant opportunity here if we pay attention to this process and get our spake in early. I know the ZOE Institute for Future-fit Economies has talked about the possibility of having an executive vice president for future generations in the European Commission. The example of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales is strong and powerful. It is an example from which we could learn an awful lot. What is the Taoiseach’s view on the possibility of having a commissioner for future generations in the Irish context? What position are we going to take at the UN Summit of the Future later this year?

Taoiseach: On Deputy Ó Cathasaigh’s questions on the composition of the new Commission, it is probably a debate we should start thinking about. As was mentioned, President von der Leyen has suggested a Defence Commissioner. Others have made suggestions for different sorts of Commissioners. It is a matter we definitely need to think about over the coming months. I am not fully up to date on the UN Summit of the Future, but I will get up to date on it. I might get a response from the Tánaiste on it.