Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I welcome this debate and the Minister. I have already moved the amendment, which I support. Climate change is recognised as the most serious and threatening global environmental problem. Under the Kyoto Protocol, the Government has agreed to limit greenhouse gas emissions to 13%, or 15 million tonnes per year, above the 1990 levels by the first commitment period of 2008-12. The Minister referred to the Stern review talked about the economic impact of climate change predicting that a collective failure to address the world's rising greenhouse emissions will cost the equivalent of at least 5% of global GDP through the adverse impacts of climate change.

Since the publication of the national climate change strategy in 2000, the Government has put in place a variety of measures which will deliver a reduction of an average of 8 million tonnes in greenhouse gas emissions during the period 2008-12. That is our compliance period for the Kyoto Protocol and the period during which the assessment will be made.

We have strengthened the energy requirements in the building regulations and over the key period this will lead to a reduction of approximately 300,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. The Minister has talked about the three-strand approach which includes measures to reduce emissions, emission reduction in the installations participating in the EU emissions trading scheme and, where it arises, the purchase of credits for carbon reductions elsewhere in the world.

I welcome the fact that the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Noel Dempsey, has published a White Paper on Energy committed to delivering a sustainable energy future for Ireland. The White Paper describes the actions and targets for the energy policy framework up to 2020, principally to support economic growth and to meet the needs of all consumers. The paper sets a clear path for meeting the Government's goal to ensure safe and secure energy supplies, promoting a sustainable energy future and supporting competitiveness.

The renewable energy directive, to which we are committed, will achieve a reduction of 1.3 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. Excess relief of more than €200 million between 2006-10 will bring emission reductions of 250,000 tonnes annually, the equivalent of taking 76,000 cars off the road.

I welcome the strategy and the other strategies announced by various Ministers. I particularly welcome the greener homes renewable energy grant. That scheme has been very successful and has had a tremendous take up. It is encouraging to note the many new industries providing wood chips and wood pellets for that scheme. It will deliver a reduction of approximately 200,000 tonnes in emissions. The targets are ambitious but the Minister is right to try to meet them. The target is to increase renewable use by 15% by 2010 and by 30% by 2020.

The power of one campaign is aimed at supporting consumers in changing their energy practices and choices and is very worthwhile. This campaign reflects the suggestion that, along with the Government, every member of society must play a part in the changes. This very well broadcast campaign highlights the Government's commitment to reducing CO2 emissions.

An issue which probably needs more promotion is the Government's forestry programme. From the figures I have seen, it will contribute to the removal of more than 2 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per annum. Government policy is to increase the current level of afforestation by up to 17% by 2030. In most cases, farmers will do the planting. Annual premium payments are available as are planting grants to cover the establishment cost. In the 2007 budget, more than €15 million over three years was provided to encourage farmers to grow bio-energy crops. We are all familiar with the recent announcements by the Minister, particularly in regard to the growing of willow.

I should also mentioned that we have had great success in the area of recycling. Contrary to what Senator Bannon said, the figures in this regard have increased. In schools, in particular, there is great emphasis among young people on the benefits of recycling. The green flag, for example, is now available. A programme is in place and it is very well supported. An Taisce is involved in this, and a number of green flags have been awarded to schools.

Budget 2007 also provided a scheme of tax relief for corporate investment in certain renewable energy projects which was extended from the end of 2006 to the end of 2011. The national development plan includes a range of major investments which will result in the lowering of greenhouse gases. Under Transport 21 public transport will benefit greatly in the next seven years. In the west, we were very fortunate to have the western rail corridor included in that €34 billion package. Many people were opposed to the reopening of the line from Sligo to Limerick, or Killooney to Claremorris, the two ends of that scheme. It took a very brave decision by the then Minister, Deputy Seamus Brennan, to have consultants examine this project. Unbelievably, it was not included initially. Everyone knew a rail service to Galway city was required. The roads need upgrading and there are terrible traffic jams in Claregalway which are mentioned in traffic reports every morning. That development was welcome.

The national development plan provided funding for the purchase of carbon allowances as part of our strategy and funding of €93 million for environmental research. The Government is very aware of what can be done in regard to environmental protection. The farm plastics scheme led to traffic jams in Galway when it was first introduced at the marts. Galway was one of the first counties to be included as was County Offaly. Some 18 more counties are now included which is a great improvement. The plastic bags scheme and the tax on white goods, about which the Minister spoke, have been very successful. These are very commendable measures.

I refer to EU directives on water quality. I was disappointed to state on today's Order of Business that Galway still has some problems in regard to a parasite but 90% compliance with EU directives in other areas is a good achievement. However, as I said this morning, we must do a little more in regard to water. I congratulate the Minister on what he has done.