Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 162: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will encourage the reduction of carbon emissions in air transport by encouraging eco-friendly flights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3493/08]

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 180: To ask the Minister for Transport the current level of CO2 emissions from the Irish aviation industry; his Department's projections for the level of CO2 emissions for aviation in each year from 2008 to 2020; his views on initiatives to target a reduction in the level of CO2 emissions in the aviation industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3414/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 180 together.

Figures in respect of carbon emissions from aviation can be got from the following websites:The Environmental Protection Agency: http://www.epa.ie Sustainable Energy Ireland: http://www.sei.ie

Sustainable Energy Ireland estimate that aviation in Ireland accounted for 2,953.4 kilotonnes CO2 or 18.3% of total transport emissions in 2006.

The National Climate Change Strategy proposes the introduction of a carbon offsetting scheme for all air travel on Government business, including flights by Ministers and by civil servants.

Practical arrangements will be put in place by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to enable each Department to compute annually the emissions associated with its air travel and to make a contribution to an appropriate fund to secure verified emission reductions of an equivalent amount.

On a broader level, given the international dimension to aviation, it is likely that emissions savings and environmental improvements will require inter-government agreement. Ireland is playing a positive role in the European Union's consideration of extending emissions trading to the aviation sector.