An Taisce has defended its Green Schools Pack against criticism from the IFA, TDs and senators, saying it does not advocate vegan diets.

“We have not promoted veganism and never have done,” Charles Stanley-Smith of An Taisce told the Oireachtas on Tuesday.

However, he added: “We will not apologise for giving climate change advice on the amount of carbon generated by certain foods.”

Climate Change Advisory Council chair Prof John Fitzgerald told the Irish Farmers Journal that he would be ‘very nervous’ telling children what to eat.

He added: “Even if we consumed less beef, it would be exported abroad – our emissions would not change.”

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