Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have another couple of questions to ask Mr. Lumley. Mr. Lumley dismisses other people who might have a contrary opinion. According to a piece in today's Farming Independent, "Cutting Ireland's cattle herd to reduce the sector's carbon footprint would 'likely lead' to a rise in global greenhouse gas emissions, a US scientist has told a conference". Professor Frank Mitloehner from the University of California told the Alltech Ireland Environmental Forum that carbon leakage would occur if such actions were taken as export demands for Irish dairy and food were transferred to other countries that are simply less efficient.

Ireland has 5 million people but produces food for 50 million people. Everybody has to eat. I hope Mr. Lumley understands that. I have the height of respect for Members of this House. I specifically refer to the Green Party whose Members show a little common sense. I believe, however, that Mr Lumley's organisation does not show much common sense. Like Senator Paul Daly said, apart from the green flag initiative, on which I commend An Taisce, the only time I ever encounter the organisation is when it is objecting. An Taisce would close down rural Ireland if it had its way. I would even describe An Taisce as a serial objector. We should consider the negativity of Mr. Lumley's organisation. As a representative of rural Ireland, I only ever hear negative comments about An Taisce.

We often hear about the need to bring people with us. Bringing people with us involves education and so on, not objecting. I have absolutely no problem with veganism but drilling it down people's necks will not get An Taisce's message across. Senator Daly used the example of the Glanbia plant, with which I am very familiar. Mr. Lumley is from the south east. He knows it is a dairy intensive part of the country. I often think that if An Taisce wants to bring people with it, there are different ways in which it could do its business.