The implementation of the current climate change law would see a cull of 17 out of every 20 suckler cows with a drastic impact on the local economy, says Denis Naughten.

Furthermore, it would have a devastating impact on local businesses and lead to a situation where even more young people will be forced to emigrate.

“There is no doubt that we have to deal with the issue of climate change and Fine Gael will implement a law on an all-party basis where agreement already exists. But introducing targets which exceed EU and other international agreements will have significant cost implications for the economy and jobs,” stated Denis Naughten.

“Without a binding international agreement other competitor economies would scale up their industry or national herd to take advantage of our solo high emission reduction targets.

“I cannot understand why the Government is threatening our economic future when there is a solution which has already been agreed by all sides in Dail Eireann.

“To compound the problem the current law does not propose any policy or initiative to reduce carbon emissions. Fine Gael has published a detailed plan which not only reduces emissions but also create over 100,000 jobs. This plan is available at www.new-era.ie”

A copy of the all party agreement on a climate change law is available at
http://www.oireachtas.ie/viewdoc.asp?fn=/documents/Committees30thDail/J-Climate_Change/Reports_2008/20101015.pdf

To view ‘Impact of Climate Bill on Agriculture’, please click HERE.

To view a slide from the IFA presentation to the Oireachtas Committee on 19th January, place click HERE.