Mr. Eamonn Farrell:

One of our recommendations in a report that we published last month was around the promotion of agri-forestry. One of our co-operatives has rolled out a scheme that comprises up to 1,500 suppliers and each supplier was provided with 20 native trees to grow on their land. Forestry can be promoted in many areas, in particular the use of native trees. For example, commercial livestock and dairy farmers can be encouraged to increase their forestry. The replanting obligation was also identified in our report as a particular blockage in terms of farming communities and their willingness to engage in forestry.

Deputy McConalogue mentioned that the current policy is a blunt instrument. Emissions here are 19.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, which equates to 32% of the national economy emissions. By comparison, Germany produces up to 66 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from agriculture but it only accounts for 8% of emissions by the German economy. That inequality should be analysed.

Senator Mulherin asked whether co-operatives had a role to play in forestry. I think they have. ICOS can help to organise and provide structure and governance to communities that wish to get involved in co-operatives. In recent weeks we have recruited a new staff member to work in this area and one of his or her key challenges will be to work with people to add value. ICOS may not have specific expertise in forestry but it can offer its expertise gained from working with communities, farming organisations and enterprise organisations.