The Taoiseach has said Ireland's agriculture industry will have to be given special treatment in any deal to limit its carbon emissions.

Enda Kenny was speaking to an audience of world leaders this evening, as a two-week summit on climate change began in Paris.

Mr Kenny told reporters that it is not realistic for Ireland's agriculture sector to meet the EU targets for cutting carbon emissions.

And speaking at the summit in Paris, he told other world leaders that the agri-food industry would need special consideration.

“Ireland is determined to play its part,” Mr Kenny said.

“We have committed, with our EU partners, to a collective target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030.

“Ireland’s national long-term vision is presented in climate legislation, which sets out our intention to substantially cut CO2 emissions by 2050, while developing an approach towards carbon neutrality in the land sector that does not compromise our capacity for food production,” he added.