Gormley in Copenhagen for crunch climate talks

Environment Minister John Gormley was today among ministers from 48 countries arriving

in Copenhagen for the second week of talks on climate change

The ministers are in the Danish capital to discuss a draft plan for curbing greenhouse gases

The talks have been marred by protests and arrests over the weekend with over 800 people detained.

While no formal agreement to replace the Kyoto treaty is expected in this round of talks, Minister Gormley said Ireland plays an important role in discussions.

"We'll have all of the nations on our planet coming together for the very first time, recognising their interdependence when it comes to climate change and striking a deal - a comprehensive, global deal," Minister Gormley said.

"I'm to say that the European Union and this country will be leading the way."

However it was revealed this morning that Ireland's ranking in the Climate Change Performance Index, the updated version of which was issued in Copenhagen, has fallen.

The ranking was issued today at UN climate negotiations in Copenhagen

Ireland lies in 22nd place in this year’s index, down one place from last year and sandwiched between Algeria and Indonesia, both of which are too poor to qualify to have commitments under the Kyoto Protocol.

The CCPI, compiled annually by German group Germanwatch assisted by other NGOs, covers 57 countries accounting for over 90% of global emissions.

Countries in the CCPI are ranked according to a comprehensive set of indicators including informations on level of emissions, national wealth and renewable energy resources.