Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 172: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the estimated cost of the purchase of carbon credits in respect of Ireland's excess over the Kyoto limits; the extent to which these costs will fall in the first instance on private agents and on the Exchequer; if it is proposed to fund the cost through general taxation or through earmarked taxation. [26062/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As part of an overall response to Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for the purposes of the Kyoto Protocol, the Government has signalled an intent to purchase carbon allowances up to a total of 18.5 million allowances over the protocol commitment period 2008-12, or 3.7 million per annum. The cost of these allowances would be met by the Exchequer and would depend on a number of factors, including the type of allowances purchased and the price at the time of purchase. A purchasing strategy is currently being developed by my Department in consultation with the Department of Finance. These arrangements will be published when the arrangements are finalised.

Irish installations participating in the EU emissions trading scheme may opt to purchase carbon allowances in addition to or in lieu of reducing emissions. The cost of such purchases is a matter for the installations concerned.