Ms Justice Mary Laffoy:

Many interesting points were raised. Senator Marshall mentioned the way other countries behave. We are in the EU and we signed up to the Paris Agreement and the UN international panel. That was the topic that was dealt with in the magazine produced by the Environmental Protection Agency, which was delivered by The Irish Timeslast week. We are part of a bigger world but we have obligations in international organisations and we must take those into account. Obviously, it is a concern that other countries may depart from the Paris Agreement. There are all sorts of issues there. All of this must be seen in the broader international picture having regard to our international obligations.

I take the point that consideration must be given to having a sustainable agricultural sector because the sector is so important to Ireland. The committee would be wise to look at that issue in greater detail than the assembly did.

As for unforeseen outcomes, I do not know. Perhaps my parting words will give the committee a little laugh. I got very concerned earlier this year, around June or July. I like sugar snap peas. I go to the local supermarket, where they are from Zambia, and then I go to another supermarket elsewhere, where they are also from Zambia. Then, a week later, they are from Zimbabwe, and the next week they are from Guatemala. It is very worrying. Would it not be lovely to have some Irish sugar snap peas? I will leave the committee with that thought.