Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 85: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he will take on foot of the latest report from the Environmental Protection Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7678/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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This morning The Irish Times published a table of European greenhouse gas emissions showing Ireland's transport emissions are one from the bottom. Will the Minister agree he has failed to control emissions in this sector and they have increased by 140%? The Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats Government has failed to meet the Kyoto targets. Its failure also extends to public transport and planning policies and how people get to and from work. There is no metro line to Dublin Airport, the Luas system is not joined up, no rural transport scheme is in place and the existing bus network is woefully inadequate. Will the Minister agree that new and radical thinking is required in the Department and across Government to tackle the failure to meet the Kyoto targets in transport emissions? Ireland is one of the worst European countries in this regard because of the Minister's lack of interest and involvement.

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I do not agree that Ireland is one of the worst countries in Europe. The Deputy should examine other comparisons. The Deputy is correct that there have been significant increases in emissions in the transport area. One reason is there are more cars on the road but there are other factors. The Deputy is correct that there is no rail link to Dublin Airport. However, there are advanced proposals for a metro line.

In the past five years, however, the Government has put substantial additional funding into public transport. In one year, 20 times more was allocated than when Fine Gael was last in Government and held the transport portfolio. I am not clapping ourselves on the back for this because for generations there was far too little investment in public transport. The Luas has been brought on stream. The DART's capacity has been more than doubled and its network extended. Additional commuter rail services have been provided for and the bus service has seen major investment.

A great deal has been done and much more remains to be done. The chances, however, of it being done are far greater under this Government than they would be under any alternative.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Ten years ago when Fine Gael was last in Government, travelling by car from Drogheda to Dublin city took one hour while now it takes at least an hour and a half. People must get up at 5 a.m. to commute to Dublin city to work because no park-and-ride facilities are available. Commuters must sit in traffic queues for hours. People are drifting out of the cities, living in the commuting counties and spending hours away from their families getting to work. Notwithstanding the money the Government has spent on public transport, its policies have failed dismally. Is it not time the Minister led joined-up thinking in the Government to have a real coherent policy to tackle climate change? Will he agree the Government is a failure and deserves to be kicked out of office?

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I hope the Deputy does not expect me to answer the last question in the affirmative.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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I do.

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I agree with the need for a cross-departmental co-ordinated effort in tackling this issue. Some time back I suggested the establishment of a Cabinet sub-committee on the matter and the Taoiseach appointed me chairman of it. It will produce——

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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How many meetings has the sub-committee had?

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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We had a successful meeting today.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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What has it done? That was only the first meeting.

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will see the fruits of this meeting shortly.

Fuel tourism, a factor never considered in this debate, contributes to a degree to our high emissions in the transport area. It is calculated in Luxembourg's emissions as drivers in neighbouring countries go there to buy fuel. I can provide the Deputy with statistics on this matter.