Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 306: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will oppose the introduction of climate change legislation here which would increase costs to farmers and restrict opportunities for farm expansion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3930/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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To assist the Government in identifying the most appropriate means of achieving Ireland's greenhouse gas emission target, the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security is examining the emissions reduction potential of the non-trading sector and will report to Government on the optimum alternatives to achieve this goal. In tandem, my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government is developing a national climate change adaptation framework strategy and a new climate change bill, which will include specific provisions on climate change adaptation. My Department was consulted on the drafting of the framework document and I expect ongoing consultation with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government as development of the Bill progresses through both the drafting and enactment stages. The planned Bill will provide a statutory framework for Ireland's long-term response to climate change. My priority will be to ensure that national policy on the future of the agriculture sector is taken into account.