Dr Robinson was speaking in her capacity as Chancellor of Trinity College at a Trinity alumni networking reception hosted by Ambassador of Ireland to Vietnam Cait Moran and attended by the trade mission led by Minister of State with responsibility for Food, Forestry and Horticulture Andrew Doyle.

Speaking to media following her public address in Vietnam, former president Robinson explained a little more about her thoughts on the problem.

She was asked if there was a conflict between her opinion that the Irish and European approach to agriculture and its relationship with climate change leaves room for improvement and the direction of the Department of Agriculture which is leading a charge for more product.

I want the best for Ireland, but I also want us to contribute in a positive way to sustainability of small farmer agriculture in Ireland

She answered that “very good people in Ireland are thinking about this and Tom Arnold [Director General of the Institute of International and European Affairs] led a very good group on climate smart agriculture. This group issued a report recently.

“I’m not a complete expert,” Robinson added, “and obviously I want the best for Ireland, but I also want us to contribute in a positive way to sustainability of small farmer agriculture in Ireland and elsewhere. Beef is the most water problematic form of livestock and we say we can do it at less of a carbon cost than elsewhere, but I think we need more honest discussion on this topic, including in the farming community.”

Is grazed grass better than feed?

When questioned on whether production from grazed grass is the best, as less feed is imported and local resources are used, Robinson said the carbon that is used on exporting product out of Ireland needs to be counted also.

She said: “We need to put a real price on carbon across the board and that will affect how agriculture produce travels across the world. I’m not an expert on how we resolve this problem, but the report opens up real thinking and we owe it to ourselves not to have set ideological ideas – I’m rooting for Ireland, but also a better sustainable product.”

Former president Robinson has, of course, a special interest in climate change and was recently asked by the UN Secretary General to lead a special Envoy of Climate Change and El Nino.

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Full coverage: Asia trade mission 2016