Ireland’s Minister for the Environment, John Gormley, has announced the details relating to the $30 million funding package to aid developing countries in addressing climate change.

This funding is part of a commitment made in December 2009. Ireland agreed to make a contribution of up to $132 million towards a “fast-start” financing package for some of the world’s poorest countries.

Mr Gormley defended the Irish Government’s decision to provide this funding when Ireland is being forced to seek a bailout from the EU and IMF.

He said, “It goes without saying that Ireland is facing severe economic difficulties, which are impacting on the lives of our people. But we also have to remember that climate change is threatening the lives and safety of many through drought, flooding, lower agricultural productivity and more frequent and severe heat waves and storms."

"Ireland has a proud tradition of giving and assistance. We recognize as a nation that there are others in greater need, and that we have a responsibility in this regard.”

Ciarán Cuffe, the Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Climate Change said, “A significant proportion of the world's population continue to live in persistent severe poverty and hunger on a scale which is often unimaginable for many people in Ireland …Climate change is and will continue disproportionately affect those who are already poor and vulnerable and who have done least to cause the problem."