Ms Cecilia Kibe Muthoni:

I will just make a comment. First, I appreciate that Ireland has made some moves to bring about production systems that will reduce carbon emissions. If I am not wrong, there was some resistance from NGOs. It is not possible, however, to reduce carbon emissions without taking some risks. Carbon emissions reduction is all about risks and opportunities. It is good that legislators are taking up the challenge of sensitising stakeholders, particularly the farming community, in order that whatever systems they come up with or recommend in their discussions will be environmentally friendly. If there are some risks, we should have a plan to mitigate them. One that has come out clearly is that, like us, the Government feels the need to cut down on emissions. What is lacking is public participation. In Kenya we drafted a climate change Bill in a particular way, but we made one small mistake - we did not have enough public participation. The Bill, however, was technically sound. It was applauded by parliamentarians and passed, but the public participation was lacking. The point is that the public - the private sector, the farming community, everybody - will live with the Bill. I would like to see the Irish Government provide an opportunity for further consultation with the farming community and traders. It will then come up with something that will be very acceptable. Whatever is included in the Bill will affect those who support it, but they will be ready to comply with the legislation because it originates from them.