Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

Ireland will deliver fully on its commitments under the Kyoto Protocol. While the relevant Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, report shows the downward trend in greenhouse gas emissions was interrupted in 2005, this was expected and was in line with projections published by the Department in 2006. The report notes much of the 2005 increase in emissions can be attributed to two factors, the full commissioning in 2005 of new peat-powered electricity plants and the increase in private car ownership.

In several sectors, notably the waste, residential and agriculture sectors, emissions are either stable or are on a decreasing trend. Lower emissions in the waste sector can be attributed to the success of the Department's policies on maximising waste diversion from landfill. Lower emissions in the agriculture sector can be attributed to lower livestock levels and decreased fertiliser use.

The stabilisation of greenhouse gas emissions in the residential sector must be considered in the context of 81,000 house completions in 2005. Energy performance standards for buildings have increased three times since 1997. I will shortly announce a further review of the regulations to improve house energy efficiency by up to 40% or more. This will ensure Ireland's standards are among the highest in the EU and make the maximum practical contribution to our Kyoto Protocol commitments.

On the policies and measures already agreed, Ireland is positioned to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 14.6 million tonnes per annum between 2008 and 2012. I am preparing a revised national climate change strategy, for publication by April 2007, which will set out the additional measures that will be implemented to close the remaining projected gap for compliance with Ireland's Kyoto Protocol commitments. From our advanced calculations, we will not just close the gap but go beyond our target.

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