The EU negotiating position in advance of the Kyoto conference proposed that developing country parties, individually or jointly, reduce emission levels for carbon dioxide — CO 2, methane — CH 4 and nitrous oxide — N 2O together by at least 7.5 per cent and 15 per cent below 1990 levels by 2005 and 2010 respectively. The EU proposal was not a unilateral commitment and was subject to acceptance of comparable commitments by other developed countries. As part of the preparation of the EU negotiating position, the Government adopted an indicative national target of limiting the increase in the emissions of these gases together to 15 per cent above the 1990 level by the year 2010.
The Kyoto Protocol to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, adopted on 11 December 1997, sets, inter alia, a legally binding target for the member states of the EU to reduce emissions of a basket of six greenhouses gases — CO 2, CH 4, N 2O, hydrofluorocarbons — HFCs, perfluorocarbons — PFCs and sulphur hexafluoride — SF 6, — by 8 per cent below 1990 levels in the period 2008-2012. It is intended that the EU will meet the target using provisions in the protocol concerning joint fulfilment and on the basis of agreed internal burden sharing.
The internal burden sharing arrangement to which the indicative national target relates is now subject to review in the light of the Kyoto outcome, with particular regard to the inclusion of three additional gases — HFCs, PFCs and SF 6, the different timeframe involved and the provisions regarding the use of sinks to absorb CO 2. It is expected that the review will be finalised by June this year.
A consultancy study commissioned by the Department of the Environment and Local Government and the Department of Public Enterprise to identify and evalute the scope for intensifying existing, and developing additional, policies and measures to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions is expected to be completed shortly. It will be necessary for future policy development in all relevant sectors, including the industrial sector, to have regard to climate change considerations, including the obligations in the Kyoto Protocol and developments at EU level. The conclusions of the consultancy study to which I have referred will assist in this regard.
Until agreement is reached on burden sharing arrangements, it will not be possible to determine the implications for all economic sectors, including industry. However, I assure the Deputy that I will keep in regular contact with my colleague the Minister for the Environment and Local Government and other interested parties regarding this important issue.
