760 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding funds he promised to support developing countries to deal with climate change; the amount promised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48197/10]

The developed country Parties who associated with the Copenhagen Accord (including the EU and all Member States) agreed to provide a fast-start finance package for developing countries over the three years 2010 to 2012. As part of the EU response, Ireland committed to a contribution of up to €100 million over the three-year period.

In response to that commitment, a contribution of €23 million has been made to the Global Climate Change Alliance established and operated by the European Commission. The contribution was the subject of a supplementary estimate debated at the Select Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on 9 December 2010. This contribution, together with climate change related funding within the Overseas Development Assistance programme, will make up a substantial part of the overall commitment.