Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE) | Oireachtas source

The assembly concluded, and I agree, that the State has failed to protect biodiversity. Why has it failed? Fundamentally, it is because there are interest groups, alluded to by Dr. Moran, whose short-term interest is not to deal with these crises. In the long term, if all humanity is wiped out, even the rich are affected by the biodiversity crisis, but it is not in their lifetime. In this country, regarding the nitrates derogation there is a small, relatively rich section of dairy farmers and a big agrifood industry whose interests are not to do what is necessary. Is the influence of agrifood and big dairy farmers having a negative impact on the ability of the State to do what is necessary to address the biodiversity crisis?