Martin Brady (Fianna Fail)

The report examines the potential implications of three significant EU proposals on climate change and energy security. The proposals aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% and to achieve a level of renewable energy usage of 20% by 2020.

The report examines EU proposals on emissions trading, including the regulation of the buying and selling of GHG emissions from electricity plants and major industrial installations. The proposals suggest an EU-wide cap on the number of emission credits issued rather than the current system of individual national caps. Emission credits will no longer be issued for free. Rather, they will need to be paid for. It is envisaged that this will provide an incentive for investment in lower carbon technologies.

On the sharing of emission reductions, the proposals seek decreases in emissions from small-scale emitters, such as the transport, building services, residential, agricultural and waste disposal sectors. These reductions will be divided among member states in proportion to their share of emissions. Member states will have individual reduction targets based on percentages of GDP per capita set for them in these sectors.

The promotion of the use of renewable energy is an important aspect of the proposals. It will be established by a binding EU target of 20% usage by 2020. Ireland's target will be approximately 16%, whereas our current level is 3.1%. It will be a significant challenge for the Government, business, industry, farming and the general population. Workers and trade unions must play their part if change is to be brought about. They must be involved and consulted at all stages.

Doing nothing is not an option. We must tackle and not only make dramatic cuts in carbon emissions, but reduce our dependency on fossil fuels within ten years. We must adapt to meet the new challenges. Everyone will be affected. If the emissions reduction targets are implemented, we must drive home the message that climate change is everyone's business and cannot be left to anyone else.

The report has positive elements. Given the presentations made to an Oireachtas joint committee and provided that implementation is guaranteed, the proposed investment by utilities, such as the ESB and other renewable energy operators, should enable Ireland to meet its emissions reduction target. If the Government's national energy efficiency plan is fully implemented by 2020, certain proposed reduction targets may be met in part.