Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 January 2019
58. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the findings of a study commissioned by a publication (details supplied) have been reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3403/19]
View answerIreland's greenhouse gas emissions arise from a number of different sources, with agriculture representing the largest share at 33.3% of total emissions in 2017. Agriculture emissions increased by 2.9% in 2017 following an increase in 2016 of 2.7%. The most significant drivers for the increased emissions in 2017 are higher dairy cow numbers, with an increase in milk production of 9.2%. In the last 5 years, dairy cow numbers have increased by 26.1% and corresponding milk production by 38.8%. This reflects national plans to expand milk production under Food Wise 2025 and the removal of the milk quota in 2015. I have recently received a mandate from Government to begin the preparation of a new All of Government Plan to bring about a step change in our climate ambition over the next decade, and beyond. My vision is that this new Plan will set out the actions which must be taken to make Ireland a leader in responding to climate change. In developing this Plan, all proposals which can inform and lead to significant greenhouse gas emission reductions are being considered.
Over the longer term, it is clear that climate change presents a long-term challenge across the whole of the economy and that all sectors are going to have to play their part if we are to achieve the deep decarbonisation to meet the objectives of the 2014 National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development.
Matters relating to agriculture and food policy are, in the first instance, a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
