Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the witnesses for their contributions.

Agriculture, forestry and other land use makes up 24% of total emissions in the environmental pillar. Does that include any of the processors such as the creameries or meat producers? Are they categorised as agricultural or industrial?

The Environmental Protection Agency referred to Origin Green, Bord Bia's sustainability programme. I see it more as a marketing tool. How effective is it as a monitor of the sustainability of production, particularly in the case of food manufacturers? It involves on-farm sustainability audits for the farmers who have to deal with controls. For food businesses, however, it is a plan. What is the difference? Is there any enforcement in this project?

Everybody said our model of farming is wrong and is not sustainable. I did not hear of any alternatives, however. Will the witnesses give more specific details about alternative agricultural production? What does one do to keep people living in rural areas if we move from this unsustainable form of production?

What is the Marine Institute’s view on the sustainability of land use as that does have a direct impact on marine use? I do not believe the marine sector is contributing to climate change but it is reacting to it because of what has happened on the land. What changes will be introduced? What new fish will fisherman have to go after because of climate change?