Ms Geraldine O'Sullivan:

It is voluntary and there is a payment for it. This will be a law. This has proven to be much more successful in biodiversity enhancement, that is, when the farmers have been involved. Research has been done on that to show that having the farmer champion involved in it gives optimal results rather than the designations or other approaches.

On Deputy Fitzmaurice's comments on restoration or rewetting, there is a complete lack of clarity within this on what exactly is being asked. There is lack of clarity on what good condition and favourable areas are. There are many different terms used within this, including what they mean and the practicality of implementing them on the ground within each of the member states.