Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine to discuss Calculation of Methane Emissions and Sectoral Emission Ceilings

The meeting at 12:00 in Committee Room 3 of Leinster House will be split into three sessions.

12:00-13:00 – Calculation of Methane Emissions

• Representatives from Carbon Removals Action Group (CRAG) & Professor Myles Allen, Oxford University;
• Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis.

13:00-14:00 – Calculation of Methane Emissions

• Professor Barry McMullin, Dublin City University (DCU) & Mr Paul R. Price, Research Assistant, DCU;
• Professor Peter Thorne, Director, Irish Climate Analysis and Research UnitS group (ICARUS), Maynooth University;
• Dr. Joeri Rogelj, Reader in Climate Science & Policy at the Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London.

15:00-17:00 – Sectoral Emission Ceilings

• Officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine;
• Officials from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications.

Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Jackie Cahill said: “Ireland has committed to a climate neutral economy by 2050 and to a 51 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030. To meet these legally-binding targets, a programme of three successive five-year carbon budgets up to 2035 will specify a cap on the total amount of all greenhouse gases that may be emitted in the State during each five-year period. These three sessions with stakeholders will examine two important elements of this process: Calculation of Methane Emissions and Sectoral Emission Ceilings.

“In our first two engagements we will hear from academic experts on the Calculation of Methane Emissions. After carbon dioxide, methane is the second most significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland, due to our large dependence on the agri-food industry. While the reduction in methane emissions will be critical in meeting our climate reduction targets, the way in which this is done could have a major impact on our beef and dairy sectors and the livelihoods of farming families. The Committee welcomes this opportunity to discuss a range of ideas and opinions on methane emissions with our stakeholders.

“In our final session, we will discuss Sector Emission Ceilings, which are the maximum amount of greenhouse gas emissions that are permitted in each sector of the economy. Members look forward to discussing emission ceilings and related matters for the agriculture sector and how the farming community can play its part in Ireland meeting its commitment to reducing emissions by 51 per cent by 2030.”

The Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 3 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.