Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

Something unforeseen could happen. I am committed to the climate change agenda. I am also committed to our Food Harvest plan and to expanding the Irish food industry so it can fulfil its full potential. Both of those things can be done. Many things can be done in Irish agriculture to reduce emissions. Grazing seasons can be extended. We can look at ways of changing how we spread slurry. We can consider direct drilling in arable farming. A series of practical things that are doable and affordable for farmers can have a positive impact on the emissions that may come from spreading slurry. The management of the grazing of herds can be examined. One can do a great deal in relation to food conversion efficiency to reduce methane emissions from herds. We can reduce the time it takes to bring a beef steer or beef heifer through its full life cycle. It is obvious that the shorter the animal's life cycle, the fewer the emissions that come from it. I am interested in making practical policy direction proposals within the agriculture sector that are aimed at reducing emissions in a reasonable way, where appropriate. I am not in the business of reducing our ambition or expectation in terms of growth and expansion in this sector. I do not think that would be appropriate or in the interests of the environment.

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