Ireland’s profile for greenhouse gas emissions is unique in the EU, and a one-size-fits-all approach to climate policy will not work, said Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan.
He rejected claims of pandering to any sector in the development of a low-carbon policy, and told the Dáil he would next week publish the heads of a Bill on “progressive climate legislation”.
Mr Hogan was responding to Independent TD Catherine Murphy, who introduced her Energy Security and Climate Change Bill 2012, which sets specific targets.
Ms Murphy said “a Bill without targets is like setting out on a journey while not knowing the destination” and would “make a mockery of our international obligations”.
Opportunities presented by renewable energy had to be examined. “We cannot remain the last country at the end of a gas pipeline. We should see ourselves as becoming an energy exporter, so we need to be the first country on that pipeline.”
Highlighting the importance of agriculture to Ireland’s economy, she said it was one of the areas posing most challenges for climate change.
