Mr. Henry O'Donnell:

It is quite heartening to hear widespread support for not having more derogations, and they are ineffective, as has been evidenced in many areas.

On the whole area of GAEC 2, the question must be asked what do we want. The opening statement submitted by representatives of the Department to the Oireachtas today states "While we must await the final text before we can finalise any management requirements under GAEC 2". To be honest, my interpretation of this is it would look as though the Minister and his Department were actually outside of this process and were awaiting a resolution. The reality is that we are very much part of the negotiations and discussion here, and we need to step up and get this flawed wording removed.

It is not right that the Department is saying it is awaiting the final text. It can have an input into the final text, and that is what we are seeking. This flawed amendment, which leads to a derogation and the end of agricultural activity on peat soils, must be removed. That is what INHFA is seeking here. Referring to the Department's statement again, GAEC 2 standard is lumped in with eco schemes, landscape features and issues under GAEC 9. That is not what is in this Council amendment. GAEC 2 is separated as an area of the holding. It is not an agricultural area of the holding. This must be acted on and the House must convey that message.