William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have absolutely no problem in promoting trees. I am a tree lover and have trees planted at home all along the ditches. I would not, however, set 5 acres of good land aside for trees. I might as well be honest with the Minister of State. I am a food producer first and there are more and more people to be fed in the world each year. There is that and then solar panels and everything else. I think there are times and places for them all, but not on good land. I am very sorry to say it.