More debate time needed for agriculture and climate change– Deering

More time needs to be spent addressing agriculture and climate change by those making key decisions, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Pat Deering made his remarks after Justice Mary Laffoy told the Oireachtas Committee on Climate Change last week that not enough time was spent debating the issue at the Citizens’ Assembly.

The Oireachtas Committee is set to meet again tomorrow (Wednesday).

Carlow Deputy Pat Deering said: “Justice Laffoy told the Committee not enough time was spent on agriculture and its relationship with climate change.

“The Assembly recommended a carbon tax on agricultural emissions, as well as support for a transition to lower-emission foods and carbon sequestration.

“The ESRI has not carried out any analysis of the effect that such a tax will have on the agriculture industry in Ireland.

Deputy Deering, Chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and Marine continued: “Agriculture has been one of the stellar performers in the Irish economy over the past decades – when other sectors were badly hit – employing hundreds of thousands across the country.

“I believe efforts to reduce carbon emissions needs to be done hand in hand with farmers, to ensure there are no sudden shocks to farmers’ income streams and revenue.

“The agri-sector has its part to play in reducing carbon emissions and farmers will be the first to admit this. However, more analysis is needed before and more recommendations are made,” the Fine Gael TD said.