Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 December 2009
34 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has received representations regarding the impact the introduction of a carbon tax will have on rural Ireland; if he has discussed with officials from the Department of Finance possible exemptions from the tax for rural persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47088/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraI received one representation on this issue which I passed to my colleague, Brian Lenihan T.D. Minister for Finance, for his consideration. As the Deputy knows, the economic and social implications of climate change are immense and it is the responsibility of Governments everywhere to change behaviour to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. The most effective way is to put a price on carbon which will encourage innovation by incentivising companies to bring low carbon products and services to the market. The yield from the carbon tax will be used to boost energy efficiency, to support rural transport and to alleviate fuel poverty.
