Vol. 432 No. 7
21 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for the Environment his views on the new proposal to speed up the timetable for the phasing out of all ozone-depleting substances by the European Commission; if he has any plans to implement a timetable to phase out CFCs by the year 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ireland strongly supported the adoption of a Community Regulation in December 1992 accelerating target dates for phasing out the most common ozone depleting substances. In particular, this regulation will phase out production and use of CFCs by 1 January 1995, one year ahead of the amended Montreal Protocol deadline.
A new EC Commission proposal which will deal primarily with phase-out dates for additional controlled substances is due to be presented to next week's Environment Council. While this proposal has not yet been formally received, I understand that it will provide for a phase out of HCFCs by 2014 compared with 2030 in the amended Montreal Protocol; a phase out of HBFCs by 1996 as in the Protocol; and for a freeze by 1995 on production and consumption of methyl bromide, as in the Protocol, together with a 25 per cent reduction in respect of this substance by 1996. The Protocol provides only for discussions to take place on the possibility of a 25 per cent reduction by the year 2000.
Ireland has consistently maintained an advanced position on control of ozone depleting substances, and I intend that this latest proposal when received will be examined positively.
