Can I be indulged as I am supposed to be chairing a committee?

Sentiment score: 0.00

I appreciate the collegiality from my constituency colleague, Deputy Ó Murchú.

Sentiment score: 0.40

11. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has considered the potential use of AI to develop a carbon map for a national audit of carbon sequestration on farmland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6848/26]

Sentiment score: 0.01

Louth and proud.

Sentiment score: 0.48

We have a real opportunity here. Louth could lead on this. The use of AI to develop a national carbon map for farmland could be a game-changer, not just for our climate targets but for fairness, accuracy and farm viability. Farmers deserve clear, credible data that recognises the carbon they are already sequestering through hedgerows, grasslands, wetland and soil management. I see the potential in Louth. I live in a rural area. I see the biodiversity highway we have in our hedgerows and what it is producing. We are sequestering carbon every single day. That network of hedgerows and field margins is so important. An AI-driven map would be beneficial for Irish farmers.

Sentiment score: 0.16

I am really glad to hear there is a lot of work going on. AI can make it collaborative, bring the work together and make that carbon map. For the weekend that is in it, we will think of our nature and heritage and what our plants and trees mean to us. St. Brigid's tree was the birch. It is about fertility, new life and rebirth. If you slap the arse of a cow, you would have a fertile cow and a healthy calf. Trees and nature are entwined with our history and our carbon future. Protecting that history and native Irish flora and fauna is really important. Our farmers know this and have known it for thousands of years. We need to appreciate it.

Sentiment score: 0.17