Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 4

Written Answers. - Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

81 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the progress made to date in implementing the targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions agreed by Ireland under the Kyoto Agreement; when he expects that the targets will be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28450/03]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 9, 17 and 64 of 16 October 2003.

Kyoto obligations arise in the commitment period 2008-12. Ireland has embarked on a challenging programme to limit the growth in greenhouse gas emissions through vigorous implementation of the Government's national climate change strategy, published in November 2000. This comprises a systematic programme towards meeting these obligations, and sets a ten-year policy framework for achieving the necessary emissions reductions. This strategic approach across all sectors is in line with that adopted in other EU member states for ensuring that Kyoto obligations are met.

A progress report on the implementation of the strategy was published in May 2002. While this shows that measures in place or in progress are capable of achieving approximately 20% of the reductions required to meet our Kyoto Protocol obligations, continuing emissions increases due to volume growth in the economy mean that implementation of the strategy must be intensified.

I have, therefore, initiated a review of implementation of the strategy to ensure more focused and intensive implementation. This process will incorporate an update on greenhouse gas emissions projections, together with a particular emphasis on cross-cutting economic instruments to achieve Ireland's Kyoto target. These include taxation and emissions trading and other flexible mechanisms which have been and are being developed at EU-international level since the national strategy was formulated. I intend to publish the outcome of this review as soon as possible.

I am satisfied that full implementation over the remainder of the decade, together with any additional measures which may be identified in the review, will ensure that our Kyoto obligations will be fully met.