Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 May 2022
112. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps that can be taken to prevent companies from using carbon credits to buy themselves out of reducing their emissions; the steps that can be taken to prevent the use of carbon credits as a greenwashing technique; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22417/22]
View answer114. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are plans to introduce carbon credit schemes similar to the one introduced by Dublin City Council which would invest in carbon offsetting projects that would result in generating carbon credits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22419/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 114 together. I intend to take Question Nos 112 and 114 together.Ireland partakes in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). Sectors not included in the EU ETS, are covered by national policies under the EU’s Effort Sharing Regulation. Landowners and industry can pursue voluntary initiatives, such as those adopted by Dublin City Council, for the trading of carbon and other corporate social responsibility mechanisms. Such models provide all stakeholders with opportunities to review their climate impacts and take actions to mitigate them. Irish businesses have a crucial role to play in bringing down emissions. Some of these actions will be challenging and the Government is committed to helping businesses to adapt.The recently launched ‘Climate Toolkit for business’ is a website which acts as a one-stop-shop for Irish business. The Toolkit directs users to advice, Government grants and other resources available from the Local Enterprise Offices, Enterprise Ireland, the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland, Irish Water, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Industrial Development Authority and others.
