Results 1,161-1,180 of 7,278 for speaker:Dick Roche

Kyoto Protocol: Motion (3 Apr 2007)

Dick Roche: We have not introduced a carbon tax for a very good reason.

Kyoto Protocol: Motion (3 Apr 2007)

Dick Roche: No. This is nonsense.

Kyoto Protocol: Motion (3 Apr 2007)

Dick Roche: The Deputy has castigated the Government several times.

Kyoto Protocol: Motion (3 Apr 2007)

Dick Roche: Let us consider why a carbon tax would make no sense.

Kyoto Protocol: Motion (3 Apr 2007)

Dick Roche: We have introduced other types of incentives for the reduction of emissions.

Kyoto Protocol: Motion (3 Apr 2007)

Dick Roche: A carbon tax would have dire consequences, particularly for people who live in the countryside and for small businesses.

Kyoto Protocol: Motion (3 Apr 2007)

Dick Roche: We have introduced other types of incentives for the reduction of emissions——

Kyoto Protocol: Motion (3 Apr 2007)

Dick Roche: ——the emissions trading scheme, the greener homes and commercial bioheat schemes and the realignment of motor tax are all forms of incentive that will lead to reduced emissions in the sectors where a carbon tax would have applied. The difference in these alternatives is that they do not penalise poor or marginalised households. These schemes do not penalise people who have to use their...

Kyoto Protocol: Motion (3 Apr 2007)

Dick Roche: Unlike some of the arguments we have heard from the Opposition benches in recent months, the realities are different.

Kyoto Protocol: Motion (3 Apr 2007)

Dick Roche: I am asking for some forbearance on this point.

Kyoto Protocol: Motion (3 Apr 2007)

Dick Roche: The tradition in this debate is to shout down the Government and I will not be shouted down on this.

Kyoto Protocol: Motion (3 Apr 2007)

Dick Roche: The fourth issue on which we are criticised is using the flexible mechanisms and buying carbon credits. The Opposition has derided Ireland for buying its way out of compliance with its obligations.

Kyoto Protocol: Motion (3 Apr 2007)

Dick Roche: The flexible mechanisms are an integral part of the Kyoto Protocol.

Kyoto Protocol: Motion (3 Apr 2007)

Dick Roche: A total of 80% of the reduction in our greenhouse gas emissions will result from domestic measures and 20% will result from the flexible mechanisms.

Kyoto Protocol: Motion (3 Apr 2007)

Dick Roche: The protocol recognises that a given emissions reduction is equally beneficial in terms of combating climate change irrespective of where on the planet it is achieved. This flexibility in the protocol allows developed countries to accept ambitious targets for cutting emissions while, at the same time, providing vital assistance to developing countries and countries in transition. That is...

Kyoto Protocol: Motion (3 Apr 2007)

Dick Roche: What kind of lunacy is that? Instead of creating an incentive for Ireland to develop into a low carbon economy, the effect would be to drive jobs abroad, destroying Ireland's economy, without any environmental benefit at all. The Opposition would create a desert and call it progress. What the Government has done is perfectly balanced. It has placed an appropriate cap on industrial...

Kyoto Protocol: Motion (3 Apr 2007)

Dick Roche: The capacity of Luas is 80,000 passengers per day and DART capacity has doubled to 90,000 per day. These improvements will clearly reduce emissions. Through technological improvements in vehicles, we will remove almost 500,000 tonnes of emissions. Rebalancing motor taxes and fuel economy labelling will contribute a significant reduction. Existing investment in public transport and new...

Kyoto Protocol: Motion (3 Apr 2007)

Dick Roche: Sustainable Energy Ireland programmes in the commercial and industrial fields will make a significant contribution of 500,000 tonnes during the period in question. I put all these facts before the House because they have been conveniently overlooked.

Kyoto Protocol: Motion (3 Apr 2007)

Dick Roche: They are the inconvenient truth. In agriculture, CAP reform is contributing to a significant reduction in tonnage, as is afforestation. Deputy Durkan referred to landfill. Landfill gas capture is operating so efficiently that it will reduce emissions by 500,000 tonnes over the period in question. These are the facts and figures and while Members can quibble with them, to say nothing is...

Written Answers — Local Authority Status: Local Authority Status (29 Mar 2007)

Dick Roche: I propose to take Questions Nos. 255 and 256 together. The most recently established town council is Leixlip, in 1988, under the Towns Improvement Ireland Act 1854. The 1854 Act has since been repealed. Part 17 of the Local Government Act 2001, not yet commenced, provides that qualified electors of a town having a population of at least 7,500 as ascertained at the last preceding census and...