Vol. 505 No. 4
36 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Finance the taxation reforms under consideration in his Department to ensure that Ireland's CO2 emissions are reduced in line with the first round of Kyoto Protocol obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13835/99]
I understand from my colleague, Deputy Dempsey, Minister for the Environment and Local Government that, under the Kyoto Protocol, Ireland's target is to limit the increase in emissions of greenhouse gases to 13 per cent above 1990 levels in the period 2008-12.
I also understand that a national strategy is being prepared for Government approval at the earliest possible date. The strategy will provide a framework for achieving Ireland's Kyoto commitment, building upon existing measures and developing additional policies and measures for implementation in all sectors in a cost effective and environmentally sound manner.
As is usual practice, the effects of all proposed taxation measures and changes are considered in the context of preparations for the annual budget and it is not usual to indicate these in advance.
In my budget speech last December, I introduced some measures, including a new higher rate of vehicle registration tax for luxury vehicles to assist in meeting our environmental obligations. I also reduced the excise duty on liquid petroleum gas used as a motor fuel. As the Deputy will be aware from my budget speech, I stated that we needed to put in place an agreed indirect tax policy which will assist us in meeting our international obligations on CO2 emissions. I believe that such a policy, needs the support of all sections of the community as represented by the social partners. I proposed that the formulation of such agreed policy measures would form part of the discussions on the successor to Partnership 2000.
