John Bruton
Question:9 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the reason Ireland's emission of carbon dioxide per unit of GDP is so high in comparison to other countries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Carbon Dioxide Emissions.
Ireland derives a greater proportion of its energy requirements than certain other countries from coal and peat which are higher emitters of carbon dioxide than other fuels.
Will the Minister accept, having regard to the fact that this is considered to be a developed country, that we have a resonsibility to greatly reduce carbon dioxide emissions given that countries in the southern hemisphere which are not as industrialised expect to be allowed to develop further? Will he accept that we have a responsibility to reduce carbon dioxide emissions beyond the average figure recommended?
A national carbon abatement strategy was prepared by the Department of the Environment in consultation with my Department. It was approved by the Government and submitted to the Commission in December last. The strategy allows for a 20 per cent growth in Ireland's CO2 emissions reflecting our economic development circumstances which are different from the more mature economies of other member states. It will be published in the near future.