Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 409: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which Ireland will be in a position to meet Kyoto targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28125/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As part of an overall EU commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 8% during the Kyoto Protocol period 2008-12, Ireland is committed to limiting emissions to 13% above 1990 levels.

The latest available greenhouse gas emissions figures from Ireland's national inventory report, compiled by the Environmental Protection Agency, show overall emissions in 2003 to be 66.57 million tonnes C02 equivalent. This figure is equivalent to approximately 25% above 1990 levels. This figure is a significant improvement on the corresponding figure for 2001, 31%, and 2002, 29%, down from approximately 29% in 2002 and 31% in 2001. These figures show that progress is being made towards the 13% target. Through a combination of actions, including emission reductions, participation by Irish industry in the EU emissions trading scheme and the purchase of carbon emission credits through the mechanisms provided for in the Kyoto Protocol, I am satisfied that Ireland is on a pathway to deliver on its emission limitation commitment for the purpose of the protocol.