Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 246: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent to which CO2 emissions are expected to become part of the negotiations in respect of the food industry in the context of the global economy and the World Trade Organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9348/07]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 247: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent importation or food or food products from Asia, Australia or the Americas is deemed to be eco-friendly having particular regard to CO2 emissions in transportation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9349/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 247 together.

Currently there is no mandate within WTO for the negotiation of agreements relating to trade and environment. Indeed, there is major resistance within the membership of the WTO, mainly from developing countries, to consideration of issues relating to trade and environment. Thus, it is unlikely that CO2 emissions will become part of any negotiations in respect of the food industry in a global or WTO context.

The impact of greenhouse gas emissions from international aviation and maritime transport is not an issue that can be resolved by any individual or bloc of countries, such as the European Union. It must be addressed at international level such as through the Kyoto Protocol. The European Union has already taken the lead in tackling emissions from international aviation and Ireland supports the proposal from the European Commission to address such emissions through the Union's Emissions Trading Scheme.