A leading Fine Gael TD and the party's Energy Spokesperson, Simon Coveney, has called on Minister Eamon Ryan to outline in detail how the Government intends to reduce Ireland's spiralling emissions.

The call comes as the ESRI forecasts a 5% rise in emissions for 2007 against the Minister's commitment of a 3% reduction annually as contained in the Programme for Government.

Mr Coveney said: "The projected figures released clearly show a dramatic rise in Ireland's emissions and are proof of Government inaction in the area of reduction, despite the Green rhetoric.

"This is an extremely worrying development for many reasons, not least the prospect of having to purchase carbon allowances on the open market in order to compensate for increasing emissions at a time when taxpayers' money is scarce.

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"Instead of a specific Government response, which is what we need, we get the usual lecture on the need to reduce emissions and the need to create green collar jobs.

"This kind of generalised speak inspires no confidence after a year in office.

"What we need from Minister Eamon Ryan are specifics as to how the Government plans to incentivise a change in consumer habits and a reduction in emissions.

"The green collar jobs the Minister refers to are possible and can be debated for future employment and economic growth."

Minister Ryan has conceded the country is facing difficulties reducing emissions.

However, he said the government was committed to cutting carbon impressions, but that there was no overnight solution to the problem.

"We can't change it overnight, we are only starting on that path," said the minister.

Energy independence, through reduced emission, will create more jobs opportunities across the country, according to Mr Ryan.

He said measures already introduced - including changes in home building standards and reconfiguration of the car tax system - would bring changes to the country's emission levels.

(PR)