Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 30:

In page 16, between lines 20 and 21, to insert the following:

“(c) a disclosure of the greenhouse gas emissions, in tonnes, caused by its activities within the State for which the company is responsible, and the measures already taken and planned to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during future reporting periods.”.

This seeks to require that, under the new section 69:

(3) For the purposes of the register, each oil company shall, within one month of a request in that behalf by the Minister and, in any event not later than 30 July in each year, furnish, in a manner prescribed, the following to the Minister: [...]

(c) a disclosure of the greenhouse gas emissions, in tonnes, caused by its activities within the State for which the company is responsible, and the measures already taken and planned to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during future reporting periods.

This amends the section that requires oil companies to furnish relevant information. There have been considerable international examples of the difficulties in obtaining transparent and appropriate information on emissions from various oil companies. This amendment would be useful in increasing the transparency of the information that is given. My colleague, Senator Ruane, has proposed legislation on improving the transparency of large corporations in respect of their carbon emissions. This amendment is part of the general move towards greater accountability and transparency. It is an appropriate enhancement of the State's powers as well as the transparency of oil companies within the State.