Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
2092. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding agriculture sectoral ceilings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40727/22]
View answerIreland has committed, through the promulgation of binding legislation, to cutting emissions by 51% by 2030, compared to emissions in 2018.
Within that context, the legislation provides for an overarching carbon budget to be approved by the Oireachtas, and subsequently for the establishment by Government of sectoral carbon budgets.
In the exercise of its functions under the Act, the Government is required to have regard to a variety of considerations, including the special economic and social role of agriculture, the distinct characteristics of biogenic methane, the need to deliver best value for money and the net benefits to society.
Against that general background, the Climate action Plan 2021 established a target for emissions reductions from agriculture of between 22% and 30%. This is lower than that for any other sector, for a variety of very good reasons, including the special status of Irish as recognised by the Programme for Government and the need to continue sustainably producing food of the highest quality.
The Government is currently considering the establishment of specific carbon budgets for each sector. In doing so, it will take account of all of the provisions in the Climate Act, including those specifically relating to agriculture, and of the concerns of stakeholders and citizens.
The actions required to meet the overarching target proposed by Government and approved by the Oireachtas, will be enormously challenging for every sector, including agriculture, but there is no alternative to taking action now to mitigate climate change.
I continue to support the agriculture sector in meeting this challenge and in the production of safe, high quality and sustainably produced food, so that it can continue to make a positive contribution to rural society and the economy.
