Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)

There was a slight drop in emissions in 2008. Transport emissions are down by just under 1%, energy emissions have grown slightly and agricultural emissions have fallen due to lower cattle and sheep numbers. The other reduction relates to carbon sinks. Carbon sinks represent net afforestation since 1990 so that has allowed us to reduce our carbon emissions further. Nothing the Government has done has brought about that reduction. The falls in emissions are not due to acts by the Government but are largely due to the recession.

This is the third carbon budget and each year there is a headline stating so many tonnes of carbon will be saved because of it. With the third carbon budget, the reduction in emissions is thanks in the main to the recession. Carbons sinks also save the Government slightly. However, there is little for the Government to show for positive action to improve our environment and reduce emissions. This is against gains arising from people not being able to go to work because they have lost their job and are not driving, for example.

I presume we will have to pay for carbon credits for 2008 so will the Minister clarify how many tonnes will we have to buy and at what cost? Each year the carbon budget has had a headliner. In the first year it was energy-efficient light bulbs.

See this speech in context