Govt accused of Kyoto 'cop out'

Environmental group Friends of the Earth has accused the Government of a "cop out" on the Kyoto Protocol.

The Kyoto Protocol is due to come into force tomorrow.

Friends of the Earth has accused the Government of planning to buy its way out of Ireland's emissions reduction commitments.

Friends of the Earth director Oisín Coghlan said: "Kyoto is just a first step in tackling climate change and Ireland is in danger of falling at the first hurdle."

Under Kyoto Ireland is committed to limiting the increase in greenhouse gas emissions to 13% of 1990 levels, during 2008-2012.

But instead Ireland's emissions are already higher than they were in 1990 and last year the Government opted against plans for a carbon tax.

"Instead of making the polluter pay by taxing carbon-based fuels the Government will now spend at least €185m of taxpayers' money to buy carbon credits on the international market. We are all being made to pay for the power of vested interests," Mr Coghlan said.