Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 1

Written Answers. - Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Trevor Sargent

Question:

279 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to research conducted by a meteorological expert (details supplied) and presented to the United Nations in Geneva on 1 October 1998 which confirms that ozone depletion is currently at record levels, indicated by a hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica equivalent to more than twice the size of Europe; and the policy proposals, if any, he intends to prioritise within his Department in light of Ireland's internationally binding undertakings to contribute to addressing this development. [19116/98]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

I am aware of the main conclusions of a report on the Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion — 1996, which was prepared by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), including significant ozone depletion of greater than 50 per cent over the Antarctic. However, the report expects ozone depleting substances to peak in the atmosphere by the year 2000, and the assessment also indicates the effectiveness of the Montreal Protocol, which should ensure a full recovery of the ozone layer by the middle of the next century if the protocol is fully implemented.

Ireland is meeting its commitments under the protocol by means of EU legislation, in common with the other EU member states. Commitments include prohibitions on the production and use of ozone depleting substances, including inter alia, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Following the most recent amendments to the Montreal Protocol, the European Commission has brought forward further proposals, which are now under discussion by the EU Council of Environment Ministers. These proposals go beyond the requirements of the protocol in relation to methyl bromide and hydrochlorofluorocarbons.