Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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I welcome our guests and thank them for their opening statements which are incredibly enlightening and comprehensive. Taken together they outline the array of concerns the organisations have about the EU nature restoration regulations. I have a number of questions. I will ask them all and perhaps each of the organisations can respond to whichever questions are most pertinent to them. I hope that will allow other members to have an equal opportunity.

In the first instance could the farming organisations give us a sense of what the implications of this regulation are for their members as it currently stands in draft form? That would be welcome.

Members may or may not be aware a discussion is ongoing about evidence this committee heard last week on the interpretation of Article 9. It specifically arises, and the context given was the Bord na Móna rewetting, as regards whether there will be a limit on non-agricultural, or it being capped, in terms of its impact on peatlands. It has been suggested to the committee that the cap is 20%. Regardless of how much other land is incorporated, farmers would be expected to make up 80% regardless of what else happens in society. I am aware that all the organisations have independent advice and guidance and are experienced in interpreting EU law. Therefore, it would be useful for this committee to get a sense of their interpretation of that article.

The third issue I would like some of the representatives touch on is the aspect of international trade. There has been an increase in discussions on the implications of trade and how the trade deals agreed at EU level fit into obligations and regulations applied to Irish and European farmers. In respect of this regulation, which could have far reaching consequences, do the witnesses have any view on how it could be applied in the context of implementing existing and agreeing new trade deals with third countries that do not apply the same level of regulation to peatlands?

My final question is based on the witnesses' knowledge and experience of dealing with EU institutions and EU regulations. Do they believe this regulation will be implemented in its current guise or what scope can they see for amendments? Have any of the organisations had contact with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications that will be responsible for negotiating the position at Commission level? If so, can they outline the feedback they received and where they believe this is going? Considering at least one member state of the EU has already voiced an objection, do the witnesses think it is likely that other objections will follow? Should the Irish Government lodge an objection to this regulation or is there scope to amend it to address their concerns?