For purposes of the preparation of a national greenhouse gas abatement strategy to meet Ireland's commitment under the Kyoto protocol, a consultancy study on the limitation and reduction of CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland was published by my Department and the Department of Public Enterprise in June 1998, as a basis for public consultation. In October 1998, the two Departments held a discussion forum for interested bodies, organisations and individuals who made submissions on the report. The submissions made, and the wide-ranging discussion at the forum, are being utilised in the development of the draft national greenhouse gas abatement strategy. I have asked Comhar, the national sustainable development partnership, to consider and make recommendations to me on the draft strategy by mid-December.
As part of the development of an overall policy to ensure that Ireland meets its Kyoto target, I established a consultation group on greenhouse gas emissions trading to assess greenhouse gas emissions trading as it effects Irish policy formation. The group is also examining the option of the development of a domestic emissions trading market, and the implications for Ireland of an international trading regime.