Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 8: To ask the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the new timeframe for the development of a new climate change policy; when he intends to introduce the Climate Change Bill as promised in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37686/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I published the national climate policy review on 3 November 2011. The review is an important stock-take and is intended to provide the basis for a national debate on future policy development. Building on that foundation, I intend to progress the policy agenda in three interconnected ways.

First, the Government has decided to ask the secretariat to the National Economic and Social Council to carry out an independent analysis to inform advancement of the national mitigation agenda in line with our EU commitments and with a view to developing a longer-term plan for a low-carbon future. I expect this work to be finalised by the end of 2012.

Second, I will initiate a consultation early in 2012 to ensure the widest possible range of views and ideas inform future policy. Getting climate policy right is vital to the future success of the economy as well as ensuring that Ireland plays its part in contributing to EU and global efforts to avoid dangerous climate change. It is my view that all citizens and stakeholder groups should engage in this process so we have a truly national policy position as we move into the post-2012 period.

Finally, and concurrently, I will continue working with my ministerial colleagues to identify actions that can be taken to make real mitigation progress in the short and medium term.

It is my objective, in line with the programme for Government, to introduce climate legislation within the lifetime of this Government. As indicated in the Government legislative programme, I expect it will be 2012 at the earliest before any legislation can be published, taking account of the need also to progress the broader climate policy agenda under the aegis of the Cabinet committee on climate change and the green economy.

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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We will all agree that we have to be responsible and get any proposed climate change policy right on this occasion. Some outside commentators have said there is a lack of leadership from the Government in terms of developing and implementing a climate change policy. We all know it is a real issue. The Minister said in reply to other questions that we have had flooding and cold snaps. They are not one in 100 or 50 year events, they are becoming yearly events and we have to address them. As the Minister rightly said, the programme for Government has a commitment to publish a climate change Bill but it seems to have been long fingered which is regrettable.

I ask the Minister to reconsider the proposed increase in motor taxation. Some budget kites have been flown on the matter. We appreciate there might be some increases but there is a policy that fuel-efficient cars pay a lower rate of tax. Increases should not be of the order advanced.

I refer to the UN climate change conference in Durban which commenced earlier this week. Governments, international organisations and civil society are all taking part. I presume the Minister is attending. How long does he intend to stay and what will be his level of participation in the conference? What does he hope to achieve? When he returns will we have an opportunity to discuss his participation and the outcomes?

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm that he will be attending from 4 to 11 December. I have a large number of engagements and will be glad to report back to the Deputy at the Oireachtas committee on the various meetings I will attend on behalf of Ireland and as part of the EU delegation. There are two major objectives. The first is to get a commitment internationally that there will be a post-Kyoto commitment period which will be signed up to by everybody internationally. Before detailed work can be put in place we need to have a commitment from everybody that they want to see a post-2012 commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The EU is the leader in this, in that all member states wish to see a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. We will make every effort to participate in that.

I am particularly concerned about the high level of agricultural related emissions across the EU and the difficulties these calculations are creating for EU and world policy in the context of food security. There is a conflict between climate change and food security. That is one of the reasons I postponed any legislation. I am surprised that a Fianna Fáil Deputy would not support our efforts to get away from the targets that were in the legislation.

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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We support a sensible policy.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I am sure the Deputy is not suggesting that the Bill brought before the House by the last Government was not sensible. In other words, I take it the Deputy agrees with me on this. We are bringing forward our own proposals, after taking stock of the nonsense that went on last January. People were bruised by that experience. All stakeholders must be on board, not just extremists.