Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

Carbon tax has been considered for a long time. We have an advantage in that regard as there has been much economic analysis and study on it. The best analysis was done by the ESRI, which had a fairly clear and simple message as to how to go about this. It indicated that the price should be matched to the European emission trading system, ETS, price. The European system has been set up and without us changing Europe, it is difficult for us to change that system. We have matched it to the ETS price as it is approximately €15 in that system.

The ESRI also indicated that the money should be spent in four areas, as it would be advantageous to the economy if the money was recycled in a number of areas. The first is energy efficiency measures. I remember five years ago, before Joseph Curtin came up with his very good ideas, coming before the Oireachtas committee and saying what exactly we had to do. I am very glad we have been able, in Government, to implement the plans we have had for five years.

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