This week, beef specialist Ciarán Lenehan examines Suckler cows and jumbo jets - the great carbon debate" target="_blank">the carbon debate and the role of the suckler cow. His analysis compares the relative greenhouse gas emissions from the volume of beef consumed by the average EU citizen each year against other activities, such as air travel and motoring.

Despite the level of attention that beef production receives in the debate, his figures show 262kg of CO2 equivalents produced annually from the volume of beef consumed by the average EU citizen. To put into context, a return flight from Dublin to New York City equates to 1,394kg of CO2 equivalents. In the case of a jeep travelling 20,000 km per annum, the level of CO2 equivalents is 4,280kg.

The article identifies the anomaly that exists in calculating Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions. Not only does our emissions profile include the emissions from imported oil/gas used in our transport and energy sector, but it also includes emissions associated with the production of food that is exported and consumed outside of the country.

If oil and gas exporting regions of the world do not incur the carbon liability for the energy they export, why should Ireland incur the carbon liability for the food we produce and export all over the world?

It is a point that we have raised before but it continues to fall on deaf ears. Surely given the financial implications of what is effectively a double tax, it is time to return to the negotiating table on this issue.