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Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 December 2018

Tuesday, 18 December 2018

Ceisteanna (79)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

79. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the recent report from the climate change performance index, which ranked Ireland as the worst in climate action among European nations, will see a shift in policy, specifically if the climate emergency measures Bill will be supported and if the Government will cease issuing licences for fossil fuel exploration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53175/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The challenge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is well understood by Government and is reflected in national climate action and energy policy which seeks to balance the competing aspects of sustainability, competitiveness and security of supply. Ireland will, within the EU and UN climate frameworks, pursue and achieve a transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable economy, underpinned by a secure and competitive energy supply, in the period to 2050.

In recognition of this challenge Minister Bruton is currently preparing an All of Government Plan which will set out the actions which must be taken to make Ireland a leader in responding to climate change. It will have a strong focus on implementation, including clear timelines and steps needed to achieve each action, assigning clear lines of responsibility for delivery. This Plan will develop new initiatives across electricity, transport, heat, agriculture and other relevant sectors, building on the previous actions taken by Government, including in the National Mitigation Plan and the National Development Plan, and is to be completed early next year.

The government has made a clear commitment and plan to decarbonise as outlined in both the National Mitigation Plan and the Energy White Paper “Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030”. The government is opposed to the Climate Emergency Measures Bill, as it will do nothing to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and will make Ireland 100% dependent on imports for our fossil fuel needs in the future, when we know that Ireland’s indigenous production at Corrib will decline and the Kinsale gas field is approaching its end of life.

It is noted that the Climate Change Performance Index referred to ranks the UK as the 8th highest ranked country in the index and its oil and gas sector is not identified by the authors as a negative in its ranking, although it has a far more extensive oil and gas production and exploration sector than Ireland. Norway is also ranked as a “high performing country” in 12th position, although it has by far the largest oil and gas production and exploration sector in Europe.

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