Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)

I take this opportunity to wish the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and everyone in Leinster House a happy Christmas. I also wish everyone well in the new year. Some of the Minister's comments, in at least part of his speech, were designed specifically to try to enliven the debate. There could be no other reason because some of it bordered on the nonsensical.

During his budget speech last week, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, was at pains to give the impression that the environment is a priority for the Government. It is a pure stunt for the Minister to try to convince Members that the purchase of a further €270 million worth of carbon allowances constitutes an environmental measure. This is a cost that taxpayers should not be obliged to bear. Had we acted to cut emissions, we would not be forced to purchase such allowances. Ireland should be aiming beyond the Kyoto targets, which merely represent a minimum level with which all states should comply.

The Minister asserted that the squandering of €270 million was ethical. Perhaps this is the case, particularly at this late stage. However, the Government's complete lack of action for many years to prevent carbon emissions, thereby getting us to this position in the first place, is unethical. The Government claims it is working to meet the environmental pressures and to improve the quality of our environment. However, this has not been demonstrated and it must act now to implement immediate measures to combat the damage being done to the environment. Members should consider the example of announcing a motor tax related to emissions in the budget. However, this measure will not come into force until 2008 and Sinn Féin calls for it to be implemented immediately. Were the Minister serious about this issue, he would do so without waiting for 12 months.

Only a fortnight ago, the European Commission reduced the allowances under the EU emissions trading scheme by almost 7% below the emissions proposed in the national plans produced by ten member states for allocating carbon emission allowances to energy-intensive industrial plants for the period in question. The Commission sought a 6.4% decrease in Ireland's proposed allocations, as it expects transport emissions to increase at a faster rate than expected. Everyone, apart from the Government, accepts this. The Commission also found the State had not made sufficient progress in its arrangements for Government purchases of allowances under the Kyoto Protocol. Had the Government done this earlier, it would not be necessary to rush through this legislation, for which Members do not even have time for a proper debate.

The €270 million being thrown by the Government at this carbon fund initiative is a complete waste of funds. While it may be necessary, it constitutes a waste. At least some of these moneys could have been used to incentivise industry in order that it did not produce as many harmful and toxic emissions. Moreover, it also could have been invested in public transport. Not only is such investment much needed, it would in turn remove more cars from the roads and reduce carbon emissions greatly.

Real investment in pollution prevention, environmental health measures and sustainability are essential for Ireland's population. The Government must introduce policies and legislation that seek to minimise or eliminate the release of any pollutant that causes environmental damage. It must introduce legislation that will compel industry and commercial producers of waste to reduce waste production in a planned, targeted and accountable manner.

The Government is trying to paint a picture suggesting that carbon funds are the answer to all our problems. It is time for it to wake up. Ireland should be aiming beyond the Kyoto targets, which merely represent a minimum level with which all states must comply. The Government must build on the Kyoto Agreement, strengthen its positive points and commit itself to greater emissions cuts after 2012.

I look forward with interest to the change in the Kyoto Protocol that will force governments to take action. Clearly, this voluntary scheme has not worked. This is particularly true in Ireland's case, as other states at least have made some efforts to take that path. However, this State has turned a blind eye to dealing with the issue of trying to prevent emissions. While the Minister may be nodding, what measures has he adopted? Is there any evidence he has taken any action in this regard?

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