Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

My first question relates to the farming and agrifood sector. Ireland is in unique circumstances in terms of the rate of emissions from the agricultural sector. Scotland is in a different situation, but there may be broad similarities between it and Ireland in some areas. From a political point of view, how did the Scottish Government manage to bring the farming community with it on this? I am not saying the farming community here is resistant to change. There has been significant change over the past few years, since 1990, in terms of a reduction in emissions. However, much more needs to be done and given the unique make up of emissions in Ireland, this is a major challenge.

My second question relates to the unilateral targets included in the Scottish legislation. I find this very interesting and believe we have much to learn from that approach. Targets are all well and good and Mr. Stevenson has put forward an argument in this regard which is enshrined in legislation. However, apart from the public opprobrium that can be expected for not reaching the targets - if they are not met annually - are there any other sanctions involved for departments or state agencies that do not reach them? How is that handled in Scotland? It must be embarrassing for the Scottish Government if these targets are not reached. Apart from the court of public opinion, which for a politician is often sanction enough, are there other sanctions available under the legislation for the situation where targets are not met?