This important issue of the level of greenhouse gases which we continue to emit has not been taken seriously and is not being addressed in a meaningful manner. We have, for a long time, been participants in discussions and negotiations on how best to tackle the increasing emissions of these gases which scientists inform us are contributing to global warming and changing weather patterns throughout the world.
The Kyoto Protocol was agreed in 1997 and ratified by the EU Council of Ministers subsequently. This stated that the EU as a whole would have to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 8% on 1990 levels by the period 2008 to 2012. The EU as a whole would have to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 8% on 1990 levels to meet the target in the years 2008-12. Ireland obtained the fourth most generous concession whereby we are allowed a growth limitation target of 13% over 1990 levels. Today, however, we heard that our greenhouse gas emissions have increased by 22% and we have already exceeded our target rate by 9%. If we continue on this basis we will exceed our emissions by up to 40%.
In his response, I know the Minister will refer to the climate change strategy that was produced last November. I compliment him on that strategy but it took a long time to produce and where is the plan to implement it? Will the Minister leave it to the next Government to resolve these issues after the general election? I read his statement on promoting the strategy which is described as a radical blueprint. The Minister said the Government will move into the implementation phase immediately by establishing a cross-departmental climate change team but is the strategy stuck in consultation between committees and interdepartmental groups?
At the time, the Minister said he would run a special campaign to promote awareness and underline the need for support for the strategy. It was considered so urgent and important that it needed to be implemented immediately but where is this process now, seven months later? Both the Minister and the Minister of State have said publicly that we have totally failed to uncouple economic growth and energy consumption. Already, however, it looks as if our interim targets set for the year 2005 will not be met. Is it possible to meet them?
Following the recent announcement by the United States that it will pull out of the Kyoto Protocol, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Dempsey, was quick to take action in instructing our ambassador in Washington to let the American authorities know we were concerned about the decision. Today, however, we heard the embarrassing revelation that Ireland is one of the worst offenders in Europe when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions.
I thank you, a Leas Ceann Comhairle, for allowing me to raise this matter, and I also thank the Minister of State, Deputy Dan Wallace, for attending the House to respond. The situation is very serious. We have had strategies, statements, and well-meaning proposals to deal with greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to our commitments under the Kyoto Protocol. So far, however, we have not seen anything concrete. Today came the embarrassing revelation that Ireland has already exceeded its target greenhouse gas emission rates for 2010. We will certainly not meet our targets under the Kyoto Protocol.
