The Irish Farmers Association says comments from the Environment Minister about cutting the national herd are 'totally at odds' with previous messaging from government.
Eamon Ryan said yesterday sectoral emissions reduction targets will be finalised by the end of the month.
However, there's reportedly tension between Minister Ryan and his Agriculture colleague, Charlie McConalgoue, over how far to go.
Tim Cullinane, the president of the IFA, says Minister Ryan's comments about reducing animal numbers were stunning:
"I was amazed and shocked with the Minister's comments yesterday because we've all been dealing with reducing the emissions from from livestock herd. It's totally at odds with what we have been hearing from the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste. Individuals are clearly saying, 'Oh, we can do this without causing the national herd and it has been our view from the start.'"
