Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE) | Oireachtas source

Will the Minister outline why he is arguing for the lowest possible emissions cuts for the biggest emitting sector of the economy? Even if agriculture does 30%, the rest of society still has to do 60% to meet the inadequate target of a 51% reduction, on which we are already off track. If, as the Minister is widely reported as arguing for, we choose a reduction of 22%, the rest of society has to do 68%. If, for example, we do that through energy, that is an extra cost per household of €5,000 each. Will the Minister tell me how it makes sense to do this from the points of view of the climate, small farmers and households as a whole? Why should big agri-business basically take an extremely minimal approach to doing what is necessary, considering the extent of its emissions?

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