The Programme for Government contains a commitment to agree an all-party approach on climate change targets and, in advance of this, to set a target of a 3% reduction per year on average in Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions over the lifetime of the current Government.
At this year's Spring meeting of the European Council, EU Heads of State and Government agreed to reduce EU greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% on 1990 levels by 2020. They also committed to a reduction of 30% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 compared to 1990 as the EU contribution to a global and comprehensive agreement for the period beyond 2012, provided that other developed countries commit themselves to comparable emission reductions, and economically more advanced developing countries adequately contribute to the global response according to their responsibilities and respective capabilities. The Council also agreed that a differentiated approach to the contributions of individual Member States would be used, which takes account of fairness and national circumstances.
In confirming that developed countries should continue to take the lead by committing to collectively reducing their emissions of greenhouse gases in the order of 30% by 2020 compared to 1990, the European Council noted that they should do so with a view to collectively reducing their emissions by 60% to 80% by 2050 compared to 1990.
Given the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions required by 2050, I consider that it is important to develop a broad national consensus on longer-term targets to reduce Ireland's emissions. I envisage that an all-party approach to considering and agreeing such targets is appropriate. This process will take place over a period of time and I am open to considering the mechanisms by which such agreement may be found, including the establishment of an all-party Oireachtas group.