Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 877: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a plant (details supplied) on the Shannon estuary is the only EU alumina refinery fully regulated within the EU ETS; the steps he will take to ensure that alumina production is recognised under the ETS Directive as energy intensive industry exposed to global competition; his views on the implementation of the revised ETS on a gradual basis in a manner which is verifiable throughout the alumina sector globally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22880/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The European Commission has put forward proposals for the third phase of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme commencing in 2013. As part of these proposals criteria are being explored to identify industrial sectors at risk of carbon leakage. I am aware of the global competitiveness of the alumina sector. I believe that a comprehensive and global climate change agreement for the period following Kyoto is the best solution to addressing greenhouse gas emissions and associated international competitiveness considerations.