Ann Phelan TD, has welcomed the report issued by the environment committee on the draft heads of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill which will play a pivotal role in tackling the on-going issue of climate change and provide a legislative framework for this country.

She said: "As in keeping with the Labour Party manifesto on entering government and indeed, in line with the Programme for Government, this bill will provide certainty surrounding government policy and providing a clear and definitive pathway for emission reductions in line with the EU 2020 carbon emission targets.

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"It is also important to note that the report recognises the key role the agricultural sector plays in our economy and is mindful of the probability that better prospects for major reductions in emissions exist in other sectors.

"The Joint Committee on the Environment also recommends that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine undertake an investigation such as an agricultural emissions trading scheme at an EU level, to recognise the environmental and sustainable agricultural practises would be rewarded with increased emission quotas."

(CD/JP)