Joe Higgins
Ceist:71 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the consideration, if any, her Department has given to greenhouse gas emissions when assessing a project for grant aid. [6965/98]
Written Answers. - Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
Joe Higgins
Ceist:72 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the instructions, if any, she has given to the IDA, Forbairt and other bodies which distribute grants in relation to the consideration to be given to projects relevant to greenhouse gas emissions. [6966/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 72 together.
As I indicated to the Deputy in reply to Question No. 91 on 24 February 1998, pending agreement on burden sharing arrangements for reduction in greenhouse gas emissions at EU level, it will not be possible to determine the specific implications across the various sectors of the economy, including industry.
In that context, the study currently being undertaken by the Department of Public Enterprise and the Department of the Environment and Local Government, which aims to identify and evaluate the scope for intensifying existing and developing additional policies and measures to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is relevant. Pending the outcome of that study and agreement at EU level, the issue of giving instructions to the industrial development agencies does not arise.
The industrial development agencies and bodies within the remit of my Department which have direct responsibility for assessing projects for grant aid purposes take account of current environmental rules and regulations. Projects which receive grant aid are also subject to the requirements of planning law and Environmental Protection Agency regulations, which also address environmental concerns.