Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 158: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the targets outlined in the first National Climate Change Strategy 2000 have not been met; if any body has accepted responsibility for this failure; and the lessons to be learned therefrom. [22673/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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As the targets in question relate to the period 2008-2012, there is no basis for asserting that there has been a failure to meet them.

The National Climate Change Strategy, published in 2000, sets out indicative reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that would be achieved during the period covered by the Kyoto Protocol, 2008-2012, through the implementation of proposed measures.

The National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012, published in April 2007, confirms the measures by which Ireland will meet its commitments pursuant to the Kyoto Protocol. Measures put in place since the publication of the first National Climate Change Strategy in 2000 will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 8.6 million tonnes per annum. The new Strategy sets out an additional annual saving, of approximately 5 million tonnes, from a range of measures subsequently adopted by Government. When combined with Ireland's purchase of additional allowances through the Kyoto Protocol flexible mechanisms, annual emissions savings of over 17 million tonnes will be achieved during the 2008-2012 period.

The new Strategy also sets out areas where further measures are being developed, and indicates the level of reductions in national greenhouse gas emissions that may be required on foot of EU targets for 2020.