Fianna Fail has hit out at the Government over its failure to address climate change.

The Climate Change Performance Index revealed Ireland is falling behind on the issue for the second year in a row.

Communications, Climate Action and Environment Spokesperson, Timmy Dooley TD said remedial action is now required and called on Minister Bruton to ramp up Ireland's response to this existential threat.

He said: "Climate change is real, and sticking our heads in the sand is no longer acceptable. It's no longer something that affects people in far flung locations; it's having an impact here in Ireland with unusual weather patterns including drought, freak storms and heavier than normal weather.

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"It is frankly embarrassing that Ireland is being mentioned in the same breath as the USA, Russia and Saudi Arabia when it comes to dealing with climate change. These countries are some of the largest fuel producing states in the world.

"Ireland has no massive oil or gas fields getting in the way of us acting here. The problem stems from what appears to be a complete disinterest in tackling even the low hanging fruit. To be deemed as one of the 'very low performing countries' is no longer acceptable.

"While the report rightly identifies positive actions such as the work of the Citizen's Assembly and the Fossil Fuel Divestment Bill, their impact is limited in the face of inaction on the part of the government.

"It is our lack of action and progress on a domestic level to meet our international commitments that is holding us back."

(CD/MH)