Ms Monica Gorman:

At the heart of our submission is the notion of climate justice. Unfortunately, it is generally the countries that have contributed least to the problem that are paying most dearly for it. As global citizens, we have a role in leading on this issue by way of a recognition that we cannot keep consuming at the expense of the vast majority of the world's poor people. The compensation element is one part of that effort.

Coming back to the question of where we see the future for agriculture in this country, the Food Harvest 2020 vision has very much been a response to the growing market among the middle and richer classes in emerging countries for dairy and meat products. Whether or not that vision will contribute to a sustainable agriculture sector for Ireland in the long term has to reviewed. We must constantly review and question the underlying assumptions here. It probably is not possible for us to reach our carbon emission reduction targets if we continue on the path of intensive dairy production. However, the innovation, imagination and capacity are there within the sector and among our young people in terms of thinking differently about the agriculture industry and where it is going. More and more people are seeing the reality of climate change and that is pushing the drive for innovation. We must have an agriculture sector that is driven by more than just market opportunities. It must include an element of sustainability if it is to thrive into the future.

My colleague, Mr. Harte, might comment on whether the target of a reduction of 80% to 95% is achievable.