Vol. 402 No. 9
38 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Energy if he was represented at the recent Second World Climate Conference; if any policy decisions are planned in regard to energy policy as a result of the conference, with specific reference to reducing the emission of greenhouse gases; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ireland was represented at the Second World Climate Conference by the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, as this is principally a matter relating to the functions of the Minister for the Environment. The official delegation which attended the conference included a representative from my Department.
The ministerial declaration arising from the Second World Climate Conference recognises inter alia that there is no single quick fix technological option for reducing greenhouse gas emissions including CO 2. It also recognises the promotion of energy efficiency as the most cost-effective measure for reducing energy related emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, as well as the use of safe energy sources which produce low or no greenhouse gases.
On 29 October last the EC took the decision at a joint Energy and Environment Council to stabilise its CO 2 levels within the Community at 1990 levels by the year 2000, based on equitable burden sharing. In this connection the Commission is expected to propose, in the near future, appropriate options and measures to be taken by individual member states.
As regards energy policy here, we have promoted the maximum use of natural gas and the importance of energy conservation and efficiency for some time now. In addition, earlier this year the Government agreed to provide an additional £500,000 in 1990 under the environmental action programme for energy conservation measures, given their acknowledged role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
