Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses. This is a very important topic. It is important to have this debate to improve knowledge of the issue among politicians and people in the agriculture sector. The presentation was detailed and I will raise a few issues on which I would like the witnesses to elaborate. Reference was made in the presentation to more than 30,000 ha of carbon-rich peat soils under agricultural management in Ireland. That amounts to between 7% and 9% of the agricultural landholding. It was stated that issues arise in terms of the land management of these soils, which are probably in every parish in the country depending on where we look. How can we effectively change the management of these soils in a very practical way? The farming in question might be beef, dairy or tillage. It is a significant volume of land and a significant body of work is involved in changing the management of these soils. What would be the appropriate management of these soils? Would forestry be the solution or would it be long-term pasture? What will be the long-term solution to ensure these carbon-rich peat soils can be managed in the short term between now and 2030 and in the longer term between 2030 and 2050? They account for a significant amount of the overall land mass of the country.

Regarding high-mineral soils and reseeding, a normal farm pattern is seven to ten years but if it is silage ground, the period could be shorter. How will the work being done by Teagasc on the derogation for farmers help in that regard? At the moment, there are derogation courses in place. From 2019 onwards, everyone must do a derogation course. Overall, three courses must be done on derogation. Is knowledge being imparted to farmers on the courses? I have done them in recent months. Must a body of work be done to ensure the learnings required can be incorporated into the courses and passed on?

Will the witnesses comment on how they believe we will measure carbon? Will it be net-net or gross-net? Do they believe the net-net model will be changed to a gross-net model? If so, will that be done in 2026 or 2030? What impact would a change from net-net to gross-net have on the national targets in terms of ensuring we meet our targets? Will there be a difference in the amount?