Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 39:

In page 7, lines 35 and 36, to delete “(in this Act referred to as the ‘national climate objective’)” and substitute “other than biogenic methane, which shall be accounted for separately due to its distinct characteristics”.

I discussed biogenic methane at length earlier this afternoon and this morning so I will not rehash the argument. By way of clarification, some claims are being made, disingenuously, that what we are trying to do is give agriculture a free pass. Anyone who has any understanding of the English language would see quite clearly that this amendment states biogenic methane would be accounted for separately, not that it would be ignored altogether. In fairness, both Deputy Bruton and the Minister, Deputy Ryan, have acknowledged it needs to be accounted for separately. I do not believe the legislation here is strong enough in that regard and I believe agriculture will be left to carry the can for failures across other sectors of the economy. I urge the Minister to reconsider the wording between now and Report Stage.