An Taisce blasts carbon tax policy

THE Government was accused of hypocrisy as Environment Minister Martin Cullen indicated that everyone would have to bear the burden of carbon taxes if Ireland was to meet its obligations under the Kyoto protocol.

While welcoming the fact that carbon taxes are to be introduced by the end of 2004, environmental group An Taisce criticised the Government for implementing contradictory policies.

An Taisce’s Ian Lumley said the Government had left it very late to address the issue and was still forging ahead with policies which will increase, not reduce, emissions.