Kate O'Connell (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is not being taken into consideration yet. The global warming potential of methane from agriculture is regarded as 25 times greater than that of regular carbon.

To my mind that is just scientifically incorrect because if we got rid of all methane-producing farm animals - we obviously cannot - in 12 years' time we would have much less methane. However, with carbon, it just continues to build up. Methane breaks down. Agriculture is being unfairly targeted and I wonder why. Is it that there were not strong enough voices at the table when it came to fighting for agriculture over heavily polluting industries?

Food security and sustainable production is fundamental to the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, programme. It is not just about writing cheques. It is obviously key to us all eating and surviving. There seems to be an imbalance in the approach to agriculture versus heavily polluting industry. I just do not think Ireland is being represented. If Mr. Carroll does not know about it, clearly there has not been much contact in terms of the New Zealand approach now and the British Veterinary Association's approach. Are we not looking to other countries with a large agriculture industry? We are very lucky to have a large agricultural industry because we have many people minding our environment in rural areas. We are not really doing them justice with our actions.