Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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441. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the report, An Analysis of Abatement Potential of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Irish Agriculture 2021-2030, carried out by Teagasc; and his position on each recommendation proposed in the report. [27415/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I have noted with interest and welcome the report to which the Deputy is referring. The report, along with the recommendations contained within it, are currently being examined by the relevant officials in my Department. The report highlights the potential for GHG abatement from the sector over the period from 2021 to 2030 based on current scientific knowledge against the likely level of future greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions if no action is taken to address emissions.

The report is an important piece of research that will inform developments in relation to the capacity to protect sustainability within the Food Wise 2025 strategy, the National Mitigation Plan, and the sectoral adaptation plan for the agriculture, forestry and seafood sector that are currently being worked upon. Furthermore, its analysis will also help inform ongoing discussions on CAP reform.

My Department is very aware of the challenges facing us regarding the need for the mitigation and reduction of GHG emissions, along with the requirement of ensuring that we are resilient and can adapt to climate change. With this in mind, it is more important than ever that our agricultural sector remains both climate and resource efficient.

At an overall level we are taking a whole of Government approach to climate policy. Officials from my Department work very closely with other Departments, in particular with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, which is the lead Department in this area.