Detailed proposals on the design and implementation of a green tax have already been advanced by the Department of the Environment and Local Government in the lead-up to the 2002 and 2003 budgets. Among the key points in the proposal presented in the plans for budget 2003 was the recommendation of a tax of €20 per ton of CO2 applied to all fossil fuels, to be phased in over a three to four year period. It was also proposed that a rate of €7.50 be applied in 2003, which would cut projected emissions by 0.64Mt by 2003 and by at least 2Mt per annum by 2010. We realise we have obligations to reduce the emissions and we will pursue this in coming years.