Dr. Aoibhinn N? Sh?illeabh?in:

Enacting what is currently in legislation and policies and then resourcing it is key. The issue with biodiversity is that it is so complex and pervading across many State agencies and Departments, it is difficult to highlight one or two elements of it. However, across the 159 recommendations, there are specific areas in which the members of the assembly have asked the Government to review various policies, such as on forestry, arterial drainage and things like that. There are very few specific targets in the report apart from enacting current legislation, an example of which is to reduce pesticide use by 50% by 2030. Overall, the assembly has taken a very balanced view in thinking about economy, society and nature. It is about making biodiversity a priority by enacting the legislation we currently have and ensuring the resources are there to do so. That is what I would see as a key top six priority.

We absolutely can talk about early wins. There are some elements of low-hanging fruit.

The Deputy asked about climate and biodiversity. We were consistently told across our presentations that they are two sides of the same coin and that if we want to protect ourselves against climate change, enacting a lot of the biodiversity legislation will do that. Where areas are biodiverse, they are strengthened against climate action, and vice versa. They are two sides of the same coin. Climate change is one of the five main drivers of biodiversity loss, and tackling it will be part of solving the biodiversity crisis.

On the rights in terms of nature, the key message in that regard was to highlight what the UN has said is now the right of persons to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. That is already visible in many constitutions and laws. The members of the assembly wanted to enshrine an assurance that Irish people have the right to clean air, access to clean water and access to a clean environment. That is really where the focus and relevance was in considering this as a part of the Constitution.

I will hand over to my colleagues to give their response to the Deputy's questions. Dr. Moran, in particular, might come in on the farming aspect.