Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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155. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will amend the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021 to ring-fence targets for biogenic methane produced from agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29211/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021 sets a target for Ireland of net zero GHG emissions no later than 2050, with an interim target of a 51% reduction, relative to 2018, to be achieved by 2030. However, it does not set targets for individual sectors or types of emissions. In this regard, the Bill provides for the Climate Change Advisory Council to devise and propose a series of 5-year carbon budgets. These budgets will define a pathway to meet Ireland's national emissions targets. When these budgets are approved, the Government will then set sectoral emissions ceilings based on the budgets and devise Climate Action Plans to implement the budgets.

 In this way, the targets for individual sectors and types of emissions will take account of the most recent national greenhouse gas emissions inventory and projections, prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency; relevant scientific advice, including the distinct characteristics of biogenic methane; international best practice on the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions and removals and, in so far as practicable, the need to maximise employment, the attractiveness of the State for investment and the long term competitiveness of the economy. They will also have regard to climate justice.