Speeches
Carbon Tax Credits – Dáil motion on Thursday 30th November 2006 – Extracts from Fiona O’Malleys speech.
I welcome the decision to extend the debate to accommodate Deputies, including me, who wish to contribute. On a minor technical issue, there appears to be a slight conflict of interest in terms of the conduct of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Given that Ireland is a member of the bank, which will raise funds for its operations through the fees imposed on transactions, is it appropriate that the EBRD should suggest selling us carbon credits?
Climate change and carbon trading are difficult issues. The carbon trading market does not operate successfully. While I accept that we are groping in the dark, the international phenomenon of climate change requires an international response.
A sense of proportion is required on whether Ireland has honoured its commitments and obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. Steps are being taken to reduce our carbon emissions. We face a major challenge because most of our economic growth took place after the benchmarking process under which our emissions ceiling was set. As the Minister noted, Ireland has successfully decoupled pollution and emissions from the rate of economic growth. This welcome development should not be overlooked. Irrespective of whether it is attributable to changes in agriculture or large industry, it is a significant achievement.
One could conclude from other contributions that Ireland is a major polluter. A sense of perspective is required on the amount of emissions we create. This does not absolve us from our duties at international level and we must show good example. As the Minister indicated, the purchase of carbon credits forms part of the mix of our approach to addressing climate change. This type of safety mechanism, while a wise investment, should not deflect us from the long-term consequences of the problem. It is irrelevant to climate change and global warming whether emissions are produced in Ireland , eastern Europe or the United States . The problem is caused by the accumulation of emissions across the globe. Ireland must take responsibility and show leadership on how we tackle the problem.
Today's edition of the Financial Times highlights the failures and shortcomings of the emissions trading system. An article on the topic notes that British industries will be allowed to emit more carbon dioxide in 2008 than they did in 2005 under a ruling delivered by the European Commission yesterday. This is a failure by any measure as we should not take backward steps. The same article notes that the United Kingdom proposed stringent emission controls in the first round in a move designed to make the second round less strict. This will have a negative global effect, which clearly demonstrates that the trading mechanism does not work.
Mr. Durkan: The poor creature, he gets blamed for everything.
Ms F. O'Malley: He is an easy target.
Mr. Roche: We have already heard two Deputies from Dún Laoghaire , Deputies Cuffe and Gilmore, argue for more intensive development. I will ensure their constituents are made aware that they are being sold down the drain.
Ms F. O'Malley: I will address the issue of building regulations later. On the emissions trading scheme, Ireland has major responsibilities in this regard. The focus of the system appears to be on industry. In truth, however, the majority of carbon emissions are produced in the transport sector. This creates a major challenge arsing from our economic prosperity and affluence. While emissions standards in cars have improved significantly, the trend towards acquiring high powered cars has offset the benefits of reduced engine emissions.
The Rock Road in my constituency will soon have a new quality bus corridor. Although I am, in principle, a great fan of quality bus corridors and welcomed the introduction of a QBC on the Stillorgan dual carriageway, I did so because the road was of an appropriate size. It is one of the successes of the Dublin transport initiative.
I worry about what will happen on the Rock Road which runs parallel to the DART station. I accept, as do many of my constituents, that we cannot travel the roads like we did. I enjoy the privilege of a car parking space here, a privilege many other people do not have, but we must make changes. If I am to sell a QBC to my constituents, however, saying it is a good thing, not just because of climate change but because of convenience, we will need more buses. Those buses do not necessarily need to be publicly owned.
If a private individual wants to operate a bus service, he should be allowed to develop that service. We must ensure flexibility in this area. No one cares who owns the bus as long as it arrives and brings him where he needs to go.
Ireland faces difficult questions over the issue of excise duty on aviation fuel because of our island position. It must be considered as one of the challenges we face in dealing with climate change.
The Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources produced a report earlier this year in which we indicated that we would like to see a debate on the use of nuclear energy. With such extraordinarily high rises in gas and oil prices, we must consider nuclear power. Can we afford to keep Ireland a nuclear-free zone? There will be a high price to pay to do that and we must be honest about that.
Mr. Durkan: I am delighted to hear Deputy Fiona O'Malley expounding the virtues of the nuclear energy industry.
Ms F. O'Malley: Deputy Durkan is misrepresenting me.
Mr. Durkan: When the Government tried to secure all-party support for its energy policy earlier this year, it did not take me long to figure out what was happening. It was an attempt to promote nuclear energy as the only way to protect the environment. What an appalling scenario.
Ms F. O'Malley: On a point of order, is there some way I can respond to that? Deputy Durkan is totally misrepresenting me. I did not say such a thing. I merely said a rational debate should begin and that is now being misinterpreted as saying I am pro-nuclear energy. I resent that and I am sure the Deputy is not entitled to make such an allegation against me. Will the Leas-Cheann Comhairle advise me on this?