A group of Fine Gael TDs and Senators say 'finger pointing' at the agriculture industry, could impact the country's reputation as a sustainable food producer,
John Paul Phelan, David Stanton, Charlie Flanagan, Paul Kehoe, John Cummins and Garret Ahearn, have issued a statement on the planned carbon emission cuts to the sector, claiming a 'false narrative' is putting all of the blame on farmers.
It comes as talks are continuing this week on the cuts, with question marks over whether it will be in the order of 22%, or 30%.
Carlow Kilkenny TD John Paul Phelan says they're not looking for agriculture to be exempt from the cuts:
We're seeking that the emissions be at the lower end of the range that has been pre-agreed
Currently that range is at 22 percent to 30 percent.
We're not seeking for agriculture to be exempt,
We are seeking that it is put at a level that can be achievable to farmers but also would be a significant reduction
So anything up to 24 25 percent reduction to agriculture emissions
