Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 98: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will take further action to ensure that the energy sector here is efficient and effective in addressing the issue of global warming; the extent to which his proposals to date are expected to compare with best practice in this regard throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5415/07]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 251: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will take further action to ensure that the energy sector here is efficient and effective in addressing the issue of global warming; the extent to which his proposals to date are expected to compare with best practice in this regard throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5476/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 251 together.

The energy sector will make its main contribution to meeting Ireland's obligations under the Kyoto Protocol through participation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. The Government has already decided, in the context of the preparation of Ireland's second National Allocation Plan under the scheme, that the emissions trading sector will be responsible for making approximately 3 million tonnes annual reductions in greenhouse gases out of the approximately 7 million tonnes per annum reductions needed to enable Ireland to meet its Kyoto target over the period 2008 to 2012, after existing abatement measures have been taken into account. The primary energy intensity of the economy has fallen by 35% between 1990 and 2005 reflecting the continuing improvement in the overall energy efficiency of the economy.

The energy sector will continue to make a substantial contribution in reducing CO2 emissions through further energy efficiency improvements, changes in the fuel mix and significantly increased use of renewable energy delivered through Government policy measures including the recently announced Biofuels Obligation, Renewable Heat programmes and Renewable Electricity Feed-in-Tariff.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to improve emissions throughout the energy sector here into line with best practice throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5434/07]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 169: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans for the reduction of CO2 emissions in the energy sector in the future with particular reference to the need to meet Kyoto targets in the first instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5433/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 169 together.

My colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, has lead responsibility for Government policy on meeting Ireland's target under the Kyoto Protocol. The energy sector will make its main contribution to meeting our obligations under the Kyoto Protocol through participation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. The Government has already decided, in the context of the preparation of Ireland's second National Allocation Plan under the scheme, that the emissions trading sector will be responsible for making approximately 3 million tonnes annual reductions in greenhouse gases out of the approximately 7 million tonnes per annum reductions needed to enable Ireland to meet its Kyoto target over the period 2008 to 2012, after existing abatement measures have been taken into account.

The Government has also introduced supports designed to encourage the use of renewable energy and Combined Heat and Power at the domestic and commercial level, and we are making good progress with the development of biofuels for transport, aiming to meet our target of 5.75% by 2010.