Emissions quota for citizens proposed

The Government's Sustainable Development Council (Comhar) has proposed a new system to help reduce Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions.

Under the scheme, a cap would be set each year on the amount of greenhouse gases that fuel suppliers are allowed to emit.

All adults would then get certificates entitling them to an equal share of the emissions and allowing them to sell the certificates if they use less than their allocation.

The idea has been submitted to the Environment Minister John Gormley for consideration.