Mr. Bill Callanan:

I want to be very clear that afforestation is seen as a critical part of the agricultural contribution, as stated at the outset, of carbon neutrality that does not compromise food production, recognises the need for efficiency of production and reduces the emissions per kilogram etc.

It is also important to recognise the sequestration opportunity, and forestation is a very clear element within the agricultural totality of that. It is budgeted through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and is very much a core function of the Department. It should be recognised as the agricultural contribution and we are very consistent.

There is also the contribution to other sectors, such as energy arising from biomass etc. Green energy production invariably arises from products coming from the agricultural sector. As I set out in the statement, that is our position on contribution.