Epa report highlights govt deficiencies on climate change
Issued : Thursday 15 March, 2007
Statement by Eamon Gilmore TD
Leader of the Labour Party, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade
Today's EPA report is a further graphic description of the prospective dire consequences of climate change in Ireland.
The report emphasises again the necessity for a change in Government policy on carbon emissions.
The present Government are relying on carbon purchase to meet our Kyoto commitments. If this report suggests anything it is that that the emphasis should instead, be on carbon reduction.
Only yesterday Environment Minister Dick Roche refused to limit the amount of carbon which Ireland will purchase.
During the Committee Stage of the Carbon Fund Bill, I challenged him to limit carbon purchase to 3.6m tonnes per annum. He refused even though he claimed that 3.6m tonnes would be the upper limit on amount of carbon required.
This refusal confirms that it is Government strategy to maximise carbon purchase in order to minimise carbon reduction.
The 'Pollute now pay later' approach of the Government is environmentally irresponsible and economically unsustainable.
There is no escape from the imperative to reduce carbon emissions.
