Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2021
34. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department plans to conduct consultations with farmers, farming communities and relevant environmental stakeholder groups in relation to the sector’s role and contribution to meeting Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets under the EU Green Deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27013/21]
View answerMy Department is fully supportive of stakeholder engagement and actively consults with various groups including with farmers, farming communities and environmental groups on a wide range of issues. I fully supported the Government Climate Conversation initiative as part of the development of Climate Action Plan 2021 where the public was invited to join the conversation and help chart Ireland’s journey to 2030 and beyond to net zero emissions no later than 2050.
The objective of the recently published Climate Action (Amendment) Bill of Ireland, committing to pursue and achieve a transition to a ‘climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable and climate neutral economy’ by no later than the end of the year 2050, is consistent with EU Green Deal climate ambition and international obligations under the Paris Agreement to pursue a net zero target for all greenhouse gases.
EU level discussions are ongoing regarding proposals to deliver on the additional emission reductions agreed for 2030, which will see an emission reduction ambition across the EU by at least 55% compared to 1990 levels.
My Department will continue to engage with stakeholders on matters relating to emission reductions and in particular as we implement the AgClimatise Roadmap towards Climate Neutrality.
