Vol. 536 No. 4
57 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Finance the measures he intends to take to give effect to the recommendations relating to taxation in the Government document on climate change strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14253/01]
The national climate change strategy provides a framework for achieving greenhouse gas emission reductions in the most efficient and equitable manner while continuing to support economic growth and to prepare Ireland for the more ambitious commitments that will be required after 2012. The analysis and assessment of taxation measures will be overseen by the tax strategy group, which is chaired by an official from my Department. The national climate change strategy anticipates that necessary supporting analysis will be commissioned prior to the preparation of proposals for the tax strategy group for consideration in the context of the preparations for the budget.
Taxation can play a part in attaining environmental goals. Of course, as Minister for Finance, I am concerned to ensure that tax measures take into account the effect on Ireland's international competitiveness, particularly in relation to non-EU countries which compete with us and which may have low or no taxes on energy. I am also concerned in framing policy about the effect that the imposition of such taxes may have on the consumer price index and how they could impact on the less well off members of our community.
