Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he has carried out an assessment into the possible impact of the carbon tax on the cost base of the industrial, manufacturing, commercial and retail sectors; if he has taken or contemplates taking any action to address the issues arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19676/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware a number of reports, including those of the Commission on Taxation and from the ESRI, supported the introduction of a carbon tax. In introducing the carbon tax, account was taken of the existing EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), consequently those firms that participate in the ETS are relieved from the carbon tax.

I understand that the carbon tax may cause some pressures for certain sectors. In the context of an overall cost base, for most firms, these should be minimal. However, it is expected that this move to price carbon will encourage innovation by incentivising companies to bring low carbon products and services to the market.