Peter Barry
Question:116 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Finance if any progress has been made on Community proposals for a European-wide carbon tax; and if he will outline the Government's stance on the matter.
Written Answers. - Carbon Tax.
The EC Commission tabled its proposals for an EC Carbon/Energy Tax in June of this year. The Presidency has established an ad hoc group to examine these proposals, without prejudice to the eventual decision by the Council as to whether a tax should be introduced, or at what level. This Group has approved the Presidency's work programme which aims to permit a comprehensive examination of the technical aspects of the Commission's proposals. In December, the Presidency hopes to prepare a report on the technical aspects and macro-economic implications of the tax which could form the basis of a discussion by Ministers in December.