Éamon Ó Cuív urges Government to oppose EU taxonomy change

Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste whether the Government would oppose an EU proposal to amend the taxonomy to classify fossil fuels, including possibly frack gas, as green investments until 2030. He said the proposal would contradict Government policy while also noting the continued need for natural gas and a recent Government approval for new gas-fired power plants.

EU taxonomy amendment

Éamon Ó Cuív challenged the Tánaiste over reports that the EU may add fossil fuels and fossil gases, possibly including frack gas, to the list of investments to be considered green up to 2030. He sought an assurance that the Government would oppose any such move.

Government position and uncertainty

He described the proposal as a potential "total contradiction" of the Government's policies and said he was not sure the Government had made a formal decision on the matter. The Deputy pressed for clarity and indicated he would follow up.

Natural gas and energy planning

Ó Cuív stressed that natural gas will be needed for the next number of decades and referenced a recent Government sign-off on a major investment in new power plants that will mainly use natural gas. He acknowledged natural gas is a fossil fuel that contributes to climate change but argued it is preferable to coal and oil in the near term.

Types of gas highlighted

He distinguished between blue gas, which he said comes from under the sea, and frack gas, which he described as much dirtier, noting that such differences must inform policy decisions.