Kyoto advisory group formed

With strong indications that the Republic is likely to exceed limits on greenhouse gas emissions set in the Kyoto Protocol, the Government is forming an expert group to examine how Irish energy use can be reduced. This is to help comply with the protocol and avoid the severe financial implications of exceeding targets.

Confirmation of the group's brief came yesterday as the Minister for the Environment, Mr Dempsey, was in Buenos Aires for discussions with other parties to Kyoto on how "carbon trade" will operate. The protocol provides for high-energy consuming countries to buy carbon emission permits from low-use countries.

The Minister reiterated that he is considering introducing carbon taxes in an effort to stem the rate of increase in Irish energy consumption. Ireland is allowed a 13 per cent increase on greenhouse gas emissions, based on 1990 levels, up to 2012. But already there has been a 4 per cent increase in emissions of the six main gases, including carbon dioxide.

The Green Party accused the Government last night of having no real carbon-dioxide abatement strategy. Mr John Gormley TD warned that many experts would say that Ireland would exceed the 1990 levels by between 28 and 50 per cent, which would have serious financial implications. "In Buenos Aires, discussions will focus on the carbon trading system. Depending on the price charged per tonne, Ireland can expect at least a bill of $0.5 billion for the purchase of carbon dioxide credits."

Mr Gormley admitted that climate change was an unusually difficult issue for democratic governments. "Any serious attempt to cut greenhouse gas emissions will have clear and immediate costs, while the benefits may not appear for a long time."

It is envisaged that most countries will become involved in carbon trading, a Department of the Environment spokesman said. Mr John Corrigan, of the National Treasury Management Agency, is to head the group to advise on greenhouse gas emission trading options. It will include representatives of key Departments.