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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 16 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 5

Adjournment Debate. - Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

9 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the way in which Ireland rates in comparison with other EU member states in complying with the terms of the Kyoto agreement; and his proposals in this regard. [23470/03]

Liz McManus

Ceist:

17 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the progress made to date in implementing the targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions agreed by Ireland under the Kyoto Agreement; when he expects that the target will be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23599/03]

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

64 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the track record of the Government in relation to the need for environmental improvements since Ireland signed the Kyoto Protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23637/03]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 17 and 64 together.

Reflecting our high levels of economic growth from a relatively low base in 1990, Ireland has the highest levels of emissions growth within the EU, reaching 31% in 2001 over 1990 levels. The European Environment Agency has identified us as among nine of 15 member states, and the EU as a whole, significantly challenged in achieving Kyoto targets.

Equally however there has been significant progress in Ireland in decoupling emissions growth from economic development. Emissions per unit of gross domestic product in Ireland are now 62% of what they were in 1990, compared to 78% for the EU as a whole. Our performance in this regard is second only to that of Luxembourg. It is also the case that the substantial reductions in emissions achieved by some member states since 1990 followed significant and abrupt structural changes occurring for other reasons.

Kyoto obligations arise in the commitment period 2008 to 2012. Ireland has embarked on a challenging programme to limit the growth in greenhouse gas emissions through vigorous implementation of the Government's national climate change strategy, published in November 2000. This comprises a systematic programme towards meeting these obligations, and sets a ten year policy framework for achieving the necessary emissions reductions. This strategic approach across all sectors is in line with that adopted in other EU member states for ensuring that Kyoto obligations are met.

A progress report on the implementation of the strategy was published in May 2002. While this shows that measures in place or in progress are capable of achieving approximately 20% of the reductions required to meet our Kyoto Protocol obligations, continuing emissions increases due to volume growth in the economy mean that implementation of the strategy must be intensified.

I have therefore initiated a review of implementation of the strategy to ensure more focused and intensive implementation. This process will incorporate an update on greenhouse gas emissions projections, together with a particular emphasis on cross-cutting economic instruments to achieve Ireland's Kyoto target. These include taxation, and emissions trading and other flexible mechanisms which have been and are being developed at EU and international level since the national strategy was formulated. I intend to publish the outcome of this review later in the year.

I am satisfied that full implementation over the remainder of the decade, together with any additional measures which may be identified in the review, will ensure that our Kyoto obligations will be fully met.

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