Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is not reflected either in the Deputy's introduction to this question or the previous questions he has asked of my Department.

The recent figures that the Deputy refers to are provisional greenhouse gas emissions figures for 2015. Although they indicate a 1.5% increase in agriculture emissions, these figures include an additional category of emissions that were not included in previous inventories. The figures indicate an increase in dairy cows but they also demonstrate a decrease in other cattle, and this is in line with expectations where it is envisaged there will be reorientation of the national herd towards dairy. It is also worth noting that milk production increased 13.2%, which indicates a decrease in emissions intensity of production. This reflects national plans to expand milk production under Food Wise 2025 following the removal of milk quotas in 2015.

Any increase in emissions is a concern but I point out that Irish agriculture has made significant progress in improving efficiency. We have been driving down emissions intensity and in 2013 the emissions intensity per calorie of food output reduced by approximately 14% relative to 2005 and overall absolute emissions remain 2.7% below 2005 levels. We have introduced a range of measures in our rural development plan to make Irish farming even more environmentally sustainable.

We will continue our efforts to ensure the sector can grow, prosper and meet the increasing world demand for food in a sustainable manner. I am committed to maintaining our ambition to move towards carbon neutrality in the agriculture and land use sector, including forestry, which does not compromise capacity for sustainable food production.

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