Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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We obsess about the cost of climate change and the transition but we rarely speak about the economic opportunities and benefits that could accrue with the kind of planning, about which I think there is consent in this room, at least, we need to do and may not necessarily be evident from some quarters. Deputy Durkan said earlier he was astounded shopping in the summer at the amount of imported products on the shelves. I was astounded to read just before I presented a paper of sorts at a conference a few months ago on climate action on food about the very small number of large-scale Irish horticultural producers currently in the market. There are opportunities to support, for example, the Irish horticultural sector to produce more food sustainably and locally, cutting out unnecessary supply chains and all that goes with that and providing certainty in food production in the future. That means a change in mindsets. In this country, there are families who may and are right to consider themselves expert producers of dairy or beef, which they have done for generations, but because you do something for generations does not necessarily mean that will always be the case. People, of course, need to be supported through this difficult process. It needs to be handled sensitively - I think we all agree with that - because of the social implications. I will bring the meeting to a conclusion at this point.

As always, I thank the witnesses for their contributions. We have an open door for the IFAC. I thank the witnesses for attending. We enjoyed and valued their contributions. I hope they enjoy the rest of their evening.