Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputies that the loss of the sugar industry was massive for this country, particularly for counties in the south and east, one of which is my county. I recognise the efforts of many Deputies and others, including Deputies Deering and Phelan who are in the Chamber. Another colleague, Deputy Tom Barry, is very active in trying to revitalise the sugar industry, which goes without saying but we should recognise that fact.

The proposed amendment calls for the inclusion of material relating to carbon sinks in section 7, which deals with considerations relating to the national adaptation framework and the sectoral adaptation plans. I reiterate that we are not specifying mitigation measures in the Bill. I recognise what the Deputy proposing the amendment wishes to achieve but it is a matter for the national mitigation plan which will specify actual mitigation measures. There will be, and already is, a full engagement with all sectors, including the agricultural sector, to identify appropriate and sustainable carbon sinks. That will be the opportunity to include these mitigation measures. Accordingly, I believe this amendment to be out of place in its current context and I cannot support it.

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