Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I totally accept the Minister's bona fides in that regard. For me, priority number one must be the technology pathway. The Minister announced yesterday his plan to increase clover, reduce fertiliser use and to have better feeds to reduce methane, among other measures. There is an option here, and I am glad the Minister is exploring it and doing it from a partnership perspective.

What is very obvious from the article is that there should be three criteria. I am glad the Minister clarified one, which is that it should be voluntary. Second, it should be properly resourced. The third criterion is that it should only be done following full and proper consultation with farming organisations. The Minister has clarified those points this morning. I am in favour of exploring this option hand in hand with the farming associations.

It is a viable option and worth considering, but only if it is done voluntarily and is properly resourced.

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