EU Directives

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024

Tuesday, 23 April 2024

Questions (137, 138)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

137. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the exact nature and current status of the European Commission’s announcement of 24 January 2024 that it was sending Ireland a formal notice (INFR(2024/0072) for failing to transpose Directive (EU) 2023/958 amending Directive 2003/87/EC regarding aviation’s contribution to the Union’s economy-wide emission reduction target and the appropriate implementation of a global market-based measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17927/24]

Ivana Bacik

Question:

138. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the exact nature and current status of the European Commission’s announcement of 24 January 2024 that it was sending Ireland a formal notice (INFR(2024/0073) for failing to transpose Directive (EU) 2023/959 amending Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a system for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Union and Decision (EU) 2015/1814 concerning the establishment and operation of a market stability reserve for the Union's greenhouse gas emission trading system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17928/24]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 and 138 together.

My Department is currently progressing the transposition of Directive (EU) 2023/958 which will increase the ambition of emissions reductions in the aviation sector. In addition, Directive (EU) 2023/959 seeks to expand the existing EU Emissions Trading Scheme to the maritime sector and to incorporate several new sectors, such as buildings and road transport.

There has been a delay in completing the transposition, pending clarification on legal issues to ensure that the transposition is consistent with national law. This delay has resulted in the formal notices (INFR (2024/0072) and (INFR (2024/0073) from the European Commission. My Department has replied to the Commission providing a full explanation of the delay. The Commission has acknowledged the reply. Once the legal advice has been received and the implications assessed, my Department will proceed with the completion of transposition of the Directives.

Notwithstanding the transposition delay, the Environmental Protection Agency has been appointed as the Competent Authority for the new activities, with resources allocated.

Question No. 138 answered with Question No. 137.