Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 487: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on combating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11058/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

For the purposes of the Kyoto Protocol, Ireland is committed to limiting greenhouse gas emissions to 13% above 1990 levels over the 2008-2012 period. In accordance with the National Climate Change Strategy, that target will be met on foot of domestic mitigation action supplemented by the purchase of carbon allowances or credits under the flexible mechanisms provided for in the Protocol.

Ireland's greenhouse gas mitigation target for 2020 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.

Irish installations participating in the EU-ETS will operate within an EU-wide cap which will deliver a 21% reduction on 2005 levels by 2020.

The review of national climate policy which I published in November 2011 was based on a major stock-taking exercise and is intended to provide the basis for a wide-ranging debate on future policy development. Building on that foundation, the policy agenda will be progressed in three, interconnected ways.

Firstly, the Government has decided to ask the Secretariat to the National Economic and Social Council to carry out an independent piece of analysis to inform advancement of the national mitigation agenda in line with our EU commitments and with a view to developing a longer-term plan for a low-carbon future. This work is expected to be finalised by end-2012. Secondly, a public consultation will commence shortly to ensure the widest possible range of views and ideas inform future policy. Finally, there will be continued engagement across Government via the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and the Green Economy with a view to making progress on sectoral mitigation measures.