Irish Government Moves to Impose Carbon Tax

KILIAN DOYLE
Irish Times
September 7, 2009

[efoods]The Commission on Taxation has recommended the introduction of a carbon tax to help cut Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions.

In a report published this morning, the commission said this tax should apply to all carbon-based fuels sold for use in Ireland and should be based on the tonnes of CO2 emitted by each fuel. It said the tax could raise €500 million per year.

“The tax should be clearly visible at the point of final consumption to ensure it is not seen as ‘just another tax’”, the report said.

The Commission said a carbon tax would encourage polluters to cut emissions to save money and encourage innovation. “It is fair in the sense that those who choose to pollute the most, pay the most,” it said.

While there should be no preferential rates, businesses who are involved in the Emissions Trading Scheme should be exempt, it said.

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