Results 4,101-4,120 of 9,994 for speaker:John Gormley
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions. (22 Apr 2008)
John Gormley: The Deputy is well aware of them and I have outlined them a number of times, but I will go through them again if the Deputy so wishes. With regard to energy, we have the renewable energy electricity tariff support scheme, which is facilitating the connection of more renewable energy to the national grid. It will enable Ireland to meet its EU target to generate 13.2% of its electricity from...
- Water Quality. (22 Apr 2008)
John Gormley: The Government's commitment to ensure drinking water supplies are in full compliance with statutory quality standards is reflected in the â¬4.7 billion in capital funding for water services infrastructure in the National Development Plan 2007-2013, an increase of 27% on the previous plan. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency has, under new drinking water regulations made in June...
- Water Quality. (22 Apr 2008)
John Gormley: That we have such a comprehensive report is testament to the fact that we have empowered the EPA to do excellent work. I commend the body on doing it. We have also given the EPA not just a 43% increase in its budget but 50 extra staff. If one looks at the newspapers, it is advertising for those staff now. I always welcome comprehensive reports, warts and all. It is important we know the...
- Water Quality. (22 Apr 2008)
John Gormley: The Deputy referred to the specific example of Galway city. I had the opportunity to visit the new Terryland plant recently and I spoke to the engineers there who confirmed that not only will the quality of drinking water in Galway be good as a result of the initiatives my Department has taken, it will probably be the best quality of drinking water in the country. Moving from a position...
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions. (22 Apr 2008)
John Gormley: I welcome the recent statement by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in which she addressed potential opportunities for Ireland's agricultural sector and the various ways in which the sector is reducing greenhouse gas emissions. She pointed out, for example, that farmers are now using less fertilisers and more efficiently, which cuts nitrous oxide emissions. She also noted...
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions. (22 Apr 2008)
John Gormley: CAP reform will reduce emissions by 2.4 million tonnes per annum. About 2 million tonnes of emissions will be removed annually from the atmosphere by Irish forests. These are significant reductions. From his work on the Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security, the Deputy will be aware that the Environmental Protection Agency has also done significant work in this regard. I...
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions. (22 Apr 2008)
John Gormley: Yes. As I said in my opening remarks, there is a recognition now among all parties and members of parties, including Ministers, that this is the defining issue and challenge of our age. Therefore, everyone must step up to the plate. Everyone knows there is an obligation so everyone must bring something to the party. We will all have to contribute. There is an acknowledgement that...
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions. (22 Apr 2008)
John Gormley: The beef is in the many herds of cattle, as the Deputy knows. I have recognised the difficulty, which is that we now have growing markets. The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food may herself have referred to this when she addressed the Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security. There are huge increases in population around the world, along with unprecedented economic...
- Climate Change Strategy. (22 Apr 2008)
John Gormley: I was pleased with the constructive first meeting I had with the Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security. As I said in my statement then, the committee is a welcome addition to our national parliamentary structure, which clearly reflects the importance the Oireachtas attaches to the climate change agenda. I look forward to further engagements with the committee on national, EU...
- Climate Change Strategy. (22 Apr 2008)
John Gormley: I did not say that.
- Climate Change Strategy. (22 Apr 2008)
John Gormley: I said that it was not part of the Kyoto Protocol.
- Climate Change Strategy. (22 Apr 2008)
John Gormley: That is the difference.
- Climate Change Strategy. (22 Apr 2008)
John Gormley: No, I am consistent.
- Climate Change Strategy. (22 Apr 2008)
John Gormley: Yes.
- Climate Change Strategy. (22 Apr 2008)
John Gormley: I have clarified that. One must distinguish between commitments under the Kyoto Protocol and our domestic commitments in the programme for Government. The latter includes a 3% annual reduction. This measure is counted as part of that but not as part of our Kyoto Protocol commitments. That is crystal clear. Deputy Hogan was there on the day I addressed that committee.
- Climate Change Strategy. (22 Apr 2008)
John Gormley: Deputies Hogan and Tuffy will be glad to know that we are on target in respect of the light bulb initiative. We have consulted with various sectors and a consensus is emerging on the best way forward. I attended an exhibition at the weekend. There were various energy efficient light bulbs in all makes and sizes and this will contribute to our 3% annual reduction.
- Environmental Policy. (22 Apr 2008)
John Gormley: I refer to the reply to Question No. 76 on today's Order Paper. I was very pleased with the constructive first meeting which I had with the Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security. The committee is a welcome addition to our national parliamentary structure, one which clearly reflects the importance the Oireachtas attaches to the climate change agenda. I look forward to further...
- Environmental Policy. (22 Apr 2008)
John Gormley: We have already engaged with industry. There was an energy forum in the Shelbourne Hotel, which was very well attended. It was packed out. That shows the level of engagement that is there.
- Environmental Policy. (22 Apr 2008)
John Gormley: They were far from frightened when they examined the financial incentives that exist. The Taoiseach said to me on the day that they may not be interested in the environment but they were interested in the tax incentives. They were there in droves. I do not care what is motivating people as long as they make a contribution to cutting our greenhouse gas emissions. We will use every...
- Environmental Policy. (22 Apr 2008)
John Gormley: We will comply fully with our Kyoto Protocol commitments in the period 2008-12.