Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 25 Mar 1992

Vol. 417 No. 6

Written Answers. - Control of Carbon Dioxide Emissions.

Roger T. Garland

Ceist:

77 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of the problem of global warming, caused by greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and the decision of the joint Energy Environment Council of 29 October 1990 of the EC to stabilize carbon dioxide emissions at their 1990 level by the year 2000, he will outline the way in which he proposes to control CO 2 emissions from the burning of fossil fuels; if he will further outline the body whose responsibility it is to ensure that the proposed new ESB power station in Ringsend, Dublin 4 will not increase the CO 2 emissions in the country as a whole; and if he has any plans to introduce economic instruments to encourage energy conservation and greater energy efficiency in domestic and industrial situations.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Miss Harney)

The joint EC Environment/Energy Council of October 1990 agreed a policy of stabilisation of carbon dioxide emissions by the year 2000 at 1990 levels in the Community as a whole. A number of strategies to achieve this objective are under consideration at EC level, and national strategies for limiting carbon dioxide emissions are also being prepared by member states. My Department is currently preparing, in consultation with other relevant Departments, a strategy for Ireland and I expect that this will be completed shortly. This national strategy will address all the policies which may be relevant to abating CO 2 emissions here.

Further studies are being carried out by the EC Commission on the impact in member states of a proposed carbon/energy tax. This matter will be considered further at Council level when these studies have been completed.