Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 27: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has made a case to the Department of Finance regarding carbon taxes; his position regarding carbon taxes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28968/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I am generally supportive of the introduction of a carbon levy along the lines of the commitment set out in the Programme for Government which states that "Appropriate fiscal instruments, including a carbon levy, will be phased in on a revenue-neutral basis over the lifetime of this Government". In addition, the Programme for Government commits to the establishment of a new Commission on Taxation whose remit will include investigate fiscal measures to protect and enhance the environment including the introduction of a carbon tax, in the context of maintaining a strong economy. I am working with my Government colleagues on implementing the Programme for Government and will be discussing all dimensions with them in that context.

In addition, the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012 describes the existing and planned taxation measures designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Strategy stated that the Government would continue to examine other tax incentives or disincentives where these can be shown to have a clear cost benefit in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.