Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That brings me to the next question about our carbon footprint. Agriculture has been blamed for 32.3% of emissions. The Department states that we should increase production with a view to ensuring food safety and producing food of a good quality but how can we marry the two of those if we are told we must reduce emissions? At the same time, we want solidarity in terms of food availability and the quality of food. Production in the dairy sector is increasing, which is good for the country in terms of exports etc. If we cut down on beef production in terms of the scheme Mr. Gleeson is talking about, we will have to import beef from South America or elsewhere. Where is the saving on carbon footprint in terms of the world market? We need to have a happy medium in this regard. All systems have to survive. Mr. Gleeson stated that smart technology is important but we also have to keep an industry going for the well-being of this country.