Donal Carey
Ceist:25 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Finance if he has examined the EC Commission proposals for a carbon dioxide/energy tax which will be introduced in 1993; and when he will publish his own proposals in this regard.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Written Answers. - Carbon Dioxide/Energy Tax.
As I explained in my reply to Deputy Barry on 7 October 1992, the EC Commission tabled its proposals for an EC Carbon/Energy Tax in June of this year. These are now being examined by experts without prejudice to the eventual decision by the council on the merits of such a tax. Ireland is participating actively in this discussion process and, domestically, the proposals are of course being examined in this context in consultation with the Departments of the Environment, Energy and Industry and Commerce. The EC Presidency is aiming to prepare a report which could form the basis of a discussion on the issue by Ministers in December.
It is clear that there is no question of the tax being agreed for implementation on 1 January 1993. Far more detailed consideration will be required by the EC member states before final decisions are taken. In any event, under the Commission's proposals, the introduction of the tax at EC level is conditional on similar, or equivalent, measures being introduced by other industrialised countries. This pre-condition is obviously designed to safeguard the competitiveness of the Community's industries.
I have no intention, at the moment, of publishing separate proposals on the carbon/energy tax issue.