I propose to take Questions Nos. 257, 258, 268, 269, 292, 294, 295 and 302 together.
My immediate priority is to finalise a review of national climate policy in the light of existing and anticipated national greenhouse gas mitigation targets up to 2020. The review will be made available on my Department's website in the coming days and will provide the background for future policy development.
It is my objective, in line with the Programme for Government, to introduce climate legislation within the lifetime of this Government. As indicated in the Government legislation programme, published on 14 September 2011, I expect that it will be 2012 at the earliest before any legislation can be published, taking account of the need also to progress the broader climate policy agenda under the aegis of the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and the Green Economy.
In the overall context of policy development, I will be considering the value of carbon budgeting in the future. I will also be giving consideration to appropriate mechanisms for recording compliance with the annual emissions reduction trajectory with which Ireland must comply, under EU law, from 2013 onwards.
In relation to climate finance, the developed country Parties who associated with the Copenhagen Accord (including the EU and all Member States) agreed to provide a fast-start finance package, over the three years 2010 to 2012, to assist developing countries address climate change.
As part of Ireland's response to that commitment, a contribution of €23 million was made by my Department in 2010 to the Global Climate Change Alliance established and operated by the European Commission. The contribution was the subject of a supplementary estimate debated at the Select Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on 9 December 2010.
The issue of a further contribution to the fast-start finance package through my Department is under ongoing review having regard to the availability of resources and competing demands.