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Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2004

Thursday, 30 September 2004

Ceisteanna (29, 30, 31)

John Gormley

Ceist:

28 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures that need to be taken for Ireland to comply with its obligations to limit the growth of greenhouse gas emissions, in view of the U-turn in Government policy with regard to the introduction of a carbon tax. [22632/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

56 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has undertaken an assessment of the implications for the commitments made by this country under the Kyoto Agreement in regard to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of the decision not to proceed with the planned carbon tax; if Ireland’s current emissions are double the limit set under Kyoto; the steps he intends to take to ensure that commitments under Kyoto are met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22558/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

60 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures he intends to take to enable the State to comply with its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol and to combat climate change in view of the decision not to proceed with the introduction of carbon taxes. [22616/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 56 and 60 together.

Following an examination of the carbon tax proposal, including an extensive public consultation, the Government has concluded that such a tax was not an appropriate policy option for the purpose of achieving greenhouse gas emissions reductions. A carbon tax was one option only in the Government's overall response to Ireland's commitment under the Kyoto Protocol to limit emissions of greenhouse gases to 13% above 1990 levels. It was estimated that a carbon tax would have contributed just over 0.5 million tonnes of emissions reductions towards a total reduction requirement of 9.2 million tonnes per annum during the first commitment period under the Protocol 2008-12. Alternative policy options, focusing on non-tax measures in the National Climate Change Strategy, are being examined with a view to achieving the necessary emissions reductions and ensuring compliance with the Kyoto Protocol.

Preliminary figures released by the Environmental Protection Agency in July 2004 indicate that emissions in 2003 were 24.7% above 1990 levels, down from approximately 29% in 2002 and 31% in 2001. These figures indicate that significant progress is being made towards the target of 13% above 1990 levels. The National Climate Change Strategy will continue to underpin the Government's approach to achieving the further reductions required.

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