Minister for Climate Eamon Ryan has said he will now not make a return flight to Dubai after being offered a Dáil pairing arrangement by Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore.
Mr Ryan said this would enable him to stay on and continue his work at the COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai, rather than having to rush home for the vote of no confidence in Minister for Justice Helen McEntee.
On Sunday, he said he would have to abandon his work and attendance at COP28 for two days to return for the vote.
Mr Ryan has been involved in ministerial roles on behalf of the European Union behind the scenes at the climate talks, as well as co-chairing some high-level round table discussions.
Yesterday, he said that he was contacted by Ms Whitmore who offered the arrangement which would free him up to continue his participation at the summit in Dubai.
He said that he consulted with the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste who both agreed that it made sense for him to accept the offer.
Considering the importance of Ire being represented at #COP28UAE I have offered a pair to Min Eamon Ryan for the no confidence motion. This won't change outcome of the motion as our votes will simply cancel each other out, but will allow for continuity at climate talks
— Jennifer Whitmore TD (@WhitmoreJen) December 4, 2023
Minister Ryan said the Dáil still has primacy but that a pairing arrangement makes it possible for his vote not to be marked out when he is not in attendance.
He said that he is very glad that Ms Whitmore has offered the arrangement.
The COP28 Climate Summit continues where the debate about the necessity to phase out fossil fuels has moved centre stage.
In a statement, Ms Whitmore said that the idea of Mr Ryan flying to Ireland for the vote before returning to Dubai "made absolutely no sense from a practical or environmental perspective."
"Rather than missing the talks for two days to return to cast a single vote, it is preferable that the minister remains at COP28 and ensures that Ireland's voice is heard," she said.
Ms Whitmore added that while the Social Democrats "have no confidence in the Justice Minister" and will be voting accordingly, "the pairing will not impact the outcome of that vote".
"It simply means I will not be voting, so Minister Ryan does not have to fly home. Our votes will therefore cancel each other out," she said.
The Tánaiste has said that he expects the Government will win the vote of confidence in Minister McEntee.
Micheál Martin said there will be strong Government support in the vote and said a number of independent TDs has also indicated their support as well.
He said motions of no confidence are being used more regularly, particularly by Sinn Féin.
