Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I will answer Questions Nos. 64 and 104 together with the agreement of the House.

The National Climate Change Strategy was designed as a comprehensive framework to reduce Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions in the most efficient and equitable manner. Progress is being made towards achieving the target. Latest EPA data show emissions in 2003 at approximately 25% above 1990 levels, down from 29% in 2002 and 31% in 2001. The aim will be to maintain the downward trend in emissions up to and through the Kyoto commitment period of 2008-12.

Current business-as-usual based projections indicate a reduction requirement in total annual greenhouse gas emissions of 9.2 million tonnes per annum during reference period 2008-12, that is, the commitment period under the protocol. This reduction will be achieved through a combination of emissions reductions throughout the economy and the purchase of carbon allowances on the international market.

Under the 2004 emissions trading regulations, 105 Irish installations are participating in emissions trading within the EU since 1 January 2005. These installations account for approximately one third of total greenhouse gas emissions here. In addition to cost effective emissions reductions, participation in emissions trading will enable the installations concerned to meet their overall targets in the most economically efficient manner through access to least cost emissions reduction opportunities.

My priority is to progressively reduce total domestic greenhouse gas emissions on a least cost basis, having regard to economic and social development considerations. However, where reductions in the non-trading side of the economy cannot be achieved on a cost effective basis, carbon allowances will be purchased by the State in lieu of emissions.

Work is currently in progress in my Department on a review of the national climate change strategy, taking account of developments since its publication at end 2000. I intend that this review will be completed in the coming months and published.

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