Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy's point is important and well made. It will be interesting to see the 2020 figures showing the impact of the pandemic across many aspects of the economy from an emissions point of view. I am not so sure that the impact on agriculture will be as significant when compared with other sectors of the economy because agricultural activity has not been affected as much as many other parts of the economy. It will, nonetheless, be interesting to see.

The Deputy also made a point about working with farmers and the agricultural sector in an incentivised way to influence behaviours and as an approach to policy. I agree with that; it will be my approach. It has to be about partnership. Farmers are willing to play their part in that respect and it is important that the rest of society acknowledges the important role that farmers play and ensure that they are rewarded with an income for the work they carry out.

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