Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

New Zealand is a similar country to Ireland. It has an agricultural economy with a low population density. Can we use New Zealand's experience with regard to legislation on climate action and low-carbon development? The agricultural sector is a significant factor in this debate because it represents the biggest challenge. We have signed up to the Kyoto agreement and other international obligations. Should we regard those obligations as targets when formulating legislation?

I refer to the model for abatement costs suggested by Dr. Ó Gallachóir. It seems a little on the low side, vis-à-vis GDP, in my view. Is he satisfied that this model is robust? What are the possible economic costs of directly substituting the purchase of carbon credits? There may be an argument for investing in better public transport if the model is shown to be cost-neutral. I refer to the implications of Harvest 2020 for other sectors. Emissions are increasing and we hope to achieve our targets under Harvest 2020. What are the costs for the other sectors such as transport and energy? They will have to pick up the slack in order to neutralise the increase in emissions.