The Programme for Government includes a commitment to setting a target of a reduction of 3% per year on average in greenhouse gas emissions. Separately, the European Council agreed at its Spring 2007 meeting to set a target of a reduction of at least 20% in greenhouse gases by 2020 — rising to 30% if there is an international agreement that fulfils certain conditions. Under its burden-sharing proposal to implement the Council's decision, the European Commission is asking Ireland to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020, based on 2005 emissions figures.
The 20% target for Ireland presents a substantial and difficult challenge. Through the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security, I am engaged in discussions on the part that the agricultural sector can play, while having due regard to considerations of food security and the continued viability of Irish agriculture.