Mr. Bill Callanan:

In total, yes. However, agriculture accounts for a very small percentage of their gross emissions.

I do not agree that the beef data and genomics programme, BDGP, leads to a poorer quality beef animal. The fundamental issue that arises in the suckler herd is that at a gross level approximately eight calves are produced for every ten cows or an 80% calving rate. Many animals do not calve at 24 months, which is the optimal time in terms of efficiency and so on. BDGP recognises that and identifies cows that have good fertility numbers, produce a live calf every year and are delivering more efficient calves that have a higher weight at weaning and are ready for earlier slaughter and so on. BDGP is creating a far more efficient meat production process. Some 30,000 farmers are taking part in the scheme and it is very significant.

There are approximately 20 biodigesters in the country. The area is not as developed as it is in other countries and further development is contingent on the rate of returns for renewable heat and so on, as the committee heard previously.

There were several questions regarding agroforestry which I will leave for Mr. Hendrick to address.

In terms of the point made by Senator Lombard in regard to welcoming the positive statement from the Citizens' Assembly, I have seen the presentation, outcomes and recommendations but that recommendation and report will go to the Oireachtas for discussion and debate and then feed back to the various Departments in terms of endorsement or rejection, etc. I would be loath to give my viewpoint in that regard. We will see what emerges in terms of the final recommendation and report which will in due course go to the Oireachtas.