Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

A total of 10% of emissions comes from the residential sector, 25% comes from the energy sector, 29% comes from agriculture, 18% from transport and 3% from waste. Deputy Cuffe made the point that the position supports the dinosaurs. That is colourful language. Deputy Morgan suggested the purchase of carbon credits is the totality of the response. With respect, both Deputies are wrong.

The emissions trading scheme, which is a European Union scheme, established the position and the operational situation in each member state with some precision. The scheme puts a restriction on existing companies. It does not provide them with a subsidy of any kind; it provides them with a requirement that they must cut emissions.

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