Vol. 563 No. 1
530 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the measures he intends taking to ensure that the objectives of the EU directives on greenhouse gas abatement are achieved here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7067/03]
531 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the action he intends taking to ensure that the requirement in the EC Draft Directive on Emissions Trading that national allocation plans be in place by the end of 2004, is fulfilled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7068/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 530 and 531 together.
I assume that both questions refer to the proposed directive of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading.
The Council of Environment Ministers, at its meeting on 9 December 2002, reached political agreement on a common position on the proposed directive. This common position is now subject to a second reading by the European Parliament.
To inform the Irish Government's position on the proposed directive and relevant implementation issues, an emissions trading advisory group, chaired by the National Treasury Management Agency, was established in 2002. This group includes representatives of future trading sectors, officials from relevant State agencies, and national experts on emissions trading.
In common with other member states, Ireland is currently assessing the requirements of the directive and exploring options for the development of a national allocation plan. Once the draft directive is finalised, implementation will be pursued as a matter of urgency. I intend to provide Irish participants with as much certainty as possible, with regard to the allocation plan, as soon as possible.
In relation to progress generally towards Ireland's commitment to limit growth in greenhouse gas emissions to an average of 13% above 1990 levels in the period 2008-2012, under the Kyoto Protocol, I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 132 and 140 of 4 February 2003.
