Mr. Liam Hanrahan:

I thank Deputy Martin Browne for his question. It was good of the Deputy to mention the nature restoration plan. I suppose the first point is that one cannot manage what one does not measure. We cannot really measure the amount of carbon that we are sequestering. How do we know what the impact of these potential carbon sinks will be, not to mind the impact they will have on the land around them, the land one takes away, and the impact assessment on the rural economy and the rural population? The impact is endless, in terms of the damaging effect it will have. First of all, we need proper accuracy in terms of the measurement of carbon sequestration.

Farmers have no problem whatsoever in implementing carbon sequestration measures as long as they are done in an appropriate manner and not a broad-stroke-of-a-pen fashion. As we see, farmers would like to take up the likes of a renewable plan on their farm but, currently, it is not feasible and viable. It is not accounted for in our inventory either, but we know that. We have other issues around that. In terms of being able to go ahead and put solar panels on the roof of one's shed, it is not exactly that straightforward. It is only another example, really.

As for the impact on young people, if we do not have land to access it will not happen.