Will the Minister convene a group to develop a circular economy strategy for the food sector? The climate committee will be starting to consider that issue. The facts are there. The Minister will know well that food waste is over 1 million tonnes and accounts for 5% of our global emissions. Half of compostable waste does not find its way to compostable outlets. Excess packaging in the sector accounts for two thirds of all plastic packaging. Long-distance imports are a feature. Premium payments are not adequate for people producing sustainably. There is significant opportunity in this sector to have a better strategy.

I thank Deputy Bruton for his question. This is very much part of our policy platform under Food Vision 2030. It involves taking a sustainable food system approach to how we develop Irish agriculture and particularly how the various sectors integrate with one another. I will certainly give further consideration to any potential place for the Deputy's suggestion and would be happy to chat to him further about how he thinks it might work. Everyone in the sector is working to the objective of making sure it continues to improve. It is already a very sustainable platform.