McDonald criticises climate debate being 'condensed' to discussion on cow numbers

"If they want dairy farmers to grow crops or fruit or vegetables, then there must be a viable economic rationale for doing so."

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald gave an address at the ICMSA's AGM at the Castletroy Park Hotel, Co Limerick, on Monday. 

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has criticised the "entire climate debate" being condensed by some to a discussion on the number of cows in the country.

Giving an address at the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association's annual general meeting in Co Limerick on Monday, Ms McDonald said that reducing cow numbers would "do nothing for global emissions" if products derived from Irish cattle were to be "simply replaced on world markets by beef or dairy from higher emitting countries".