Govt condemned on climate change

The Green Party today accused the Government of being "criminally reckless" in failing to tackle the issue of global warming.

In its pre-Budget submission, the party claimed the Government was "externalising" the costs of climate change in failing to introduce a carbon tax.

It warned that Ireland's failure to meet its Kyoto obligations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions would cost the economy between €2 million and €4 million a week between 2008 and 2012.

Rising energy costs - which had placed Ireland amongst the top three most expensive European countries for industrial consumers of electricity - was threatening the economy's competitiveness, the party said in its submission.

To ensure security of supply, environmental sustainability and economic competitiveness, Ireland had to develop secure, indigenous clean energy sources, it said.

The party said it wanted to see the development costs of renewable energy projects reduced to allow individuals engaged to claim a deduction against their income.

It also called for adequate feed-in fixed price support mechanisms for off-shore wind farms, wave tidal and biomass systems.

Party leader Trevor Sargent said next month's Budget needed to be "climate change-proofed."

He said: "The Green Party is calling on the Government in its budget for 2007 to produce a stronger and more energy-secure economy, a more equal society and a cleaner environment."

Among the other tax changes the party called for was a relief on stamp duty for older people who are downsizing and for first-time buyers who wish to purchase the property that is being made available.

The party's finance spokesman Dan Boyle said an across the board reduction in stamp duty would not benefit first-times buyers.

Mr Boyle also called for the introduction of free pre-school education - available for all children in the year before they go to school.