Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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89. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the sectoral ceilings for greenhouse gas emissions as announced are compliant with the Climate Act 2021 and with the states obligations under the Paris Treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45737/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The 2021 Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 requires the introduction of carbon budgets that must provide for a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, relative to 2018 levels. The 2021 Act also provides for the introduction of sector-specific emission ceilings that must operate within the carbon budgets.  

In July 2022, following an extensive process of engagement and analysis, the Government approved sectoral emission ceilings. These approved ceilings included unallocated savings in the second carbon budget period. This approach acknowledges that we are not yet in a position to identify all the emerging technologies, changing scientific consensus or policies to meet our full ambition and this consideration is provided for in Section 4(8)(h) of the 2021 Act.  

As preparation of the ceilings was being finalised, important additional scientific information in relation to Land-Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) emerged. As a result, the finalisation of this ceiling has been temporarily deferred. This deferral is provided for under the Act  as section 6C(4) notes that the Minister shall, “as soon as may be after a carbon budget takes effect” finalise and submit each sectoral emissions ceiling to the Government for approval. By taking this approach, the Government has acted positively to give certainty and direction to most sectors of the economy by providing sectoral emissions ceilings for those sectors as well as a clear target for emissions reduction. Further certainty will be provided following the settling of the emissions ceiling for the LULUCF sector as soon as may be, in parallel with the ongoing Land-use Strategy.  

As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Ireland is committed to holding global temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The carbon budgets and sectoral ceilings place Ireland on a pathway to 51% emission reductions by 2030 and becoming net-zero by no later than 2050, thus contributing to the global effort to remain under the 1.5 degrees target.