Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 348: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the first annual report setting out progress on meeting climate change targets will be published. [17799/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The National Climate Change Strategy 2007–2012 includes a commitment for an annual Implementation Status Report to be laid before the Oireachtas, followed by its presentation to the Oireachtas Committee on the Environment and Local Government. It is intended that the first report will be prepared in 2008 in respect of 2007. I am also currently examining the options for ensuring consistency between this commitment and relevant reporting commitments contained in the Programme for Government.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 349: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to make clear provisions in development plans for environmentally sustainable transport methods. [17800/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, a development plan must set out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area concerned.

Development Plan Guidelines for Planning Authorities, published on 8 June 2007, provide that the development plan must offer clear guidance on sustainable development policies and objectives, both national and local, and address the various issues involved, including land use and transportation. Development plans are required explicitly to address the inter-relationship between land use and transport by setting out aims for the achievement of sustainable travel patterns, reducing reliance on private car usage and promoting public transport, as well as other sustainable modes (cycling, walking).

My Department is also advancing new Planning Guidelines on Residential Density including an Urban Design Manual. Both these documents will place considerable emphasis on the need for the design and layout of new residential development to be optimised in such a way as to strongly encourage the development and usage of environmentally sustainable forms of transport such as public transport, walking and cycling.

Finally, my Department is working with the Department of Transport and the Marine to ensure close linkage between future planning guidance and the work of that Department in promoting sustainable transport.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 350: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the specific means by which he will use the taxation system to encourage good environmental behaviour and discourage poor practice, for example through rebalancing the motor tax system to reward the purchase of environmentally friendly cars. [17801/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I will be pursuing, with colleagues in Government, a range of commitments set out in the Programme for Government to utilise economic instruments, including taxation, in pursuit of environmental objectives. In addition, the new Commission on Taxation will be specifically charged with investigating fiscal measures to protect and enhance the environment, including a carbon tax.

The proposals included in Budget 2007 to rebalance the motor tax system in favour of cars with lower CO2 emission levels have been the subject of public consultation. Following evaluation of submissions from interested parties, I intend to proceed with suitable measures to incentivise the driving of cleaner cars.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 351: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way it is planned to offset all official air travel in support of urban forests. [17803/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012 undertakes to introduce a carbon offsetting scheme for all air travel on Government business, including flights by Ministers and by civil servants, from January 2008. It is intended that a contribution will be made to an appropriate fund to secure verified emissions reductions equivalent to the annual emissions associated with Government air travel. The Programme for Government notes that this scheme should support urban forests. My Department is currently developing proposals in this regard.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 352: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will establish a high level commission on climate change; the functions the commission will have; and the way it will be composed. [17804/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Programme for Government and National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012 commit the Government to the establishment of a Climate Change Commission, which will be attached to the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) under the auspices of the Department of Taoiseach. The Commission will monitor and assess Ireland's progress in addressing climate change and increase awareness in all sectors of the opportunities and challenges presented by the transition to a low-carbon economy. It will report annually to Government through an appropriate Cabinet Committee. Arrangements are currently being made for the establishment of the Commission.