Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government’s ambition for growth and job creation in the green economy, as well as a range of associated actions, are set out in the policy statement on Delivering our Green Potential which was published by my colleague the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in November 2012. Publication of the statement followed on from a commitment under the Action Plan for Jobs 2012 and must also be seen in the context of the Government’s new sustainable development framework, Our Sustainable Future, published in June 2012. It is estimated that well over 10,000 extra jobs could be created in the green economy sector over the next number of years.

A key element of the context for the emerging global green economy is the gradual emergence of new technologies and practices that are responding to the threat of climate change and the need for a significantly more efficient approach to using natural resources.

In meeting our international climate commitments, greenhouse gas mitigation policy in the EU is being developed around early and cost-effective transition to a competitive low-carbon economy in 2050. In Ireland, policy is being developed on an equally progressive approach, as borne out both by the outline heads of the climate action and low-carbon development Bill and the ambitious policy initiative on sectoral mitigation roadmapping for 2050 which I announced recently. Our commitment to environmental sustainability, including climate protection, will be fundamental to our success in shaping and engaging competitively in the emerging global green economy.

The carbon tax is one of the key policy responses to support the transition to a low carbon economy. Responsibility for the carbon tax rests with my colleague, the Minister for Finance.

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