Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 389: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on whether Ireland will achieve the 2020 targets set by the EU of reaching a 20% emissions reduction compared to the 2005 output; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34009/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I am satisfied that Ireland can and will meet its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for the period 2013-2020.

The target in question requires a 20% reduction on 2005 levels in the sectors of the economy not covered by the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU-ETS). This reduction must be achieved along a legally binding trajectory, beginning in 2013 at the average emissions for 2008-2010, with annual targets up to 2020. This poses a very significant challenge and, even under the most optimistic scenario, a compliance gap will need to be bridged. This gap will be addressed through domestic policy development, complemented as necessary by use of the flexibilities provided in decision 406/2009/EC of 23 April 2009.