Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In the short time we have left, I wish to go back to GAEC 2. I know it has been discussed at length. The issue that farmers have - what they fear - is that we are looking at a situation where we are going in the direction of nature restoration, with rewetting and all of that. The fear they have is that this is the direction in which this is going. Why else would land be labelled in that way - I hesitate to use the word "designate" - if there is not some plan for this in the future? It might not be something that is being talked of now or being rolled out now, but farmers have a real fear that it could be something that will come back to bite them in the future. Can the Minister at least show them that if it is not something they can fear, it is something that can be an opportunity for them in the future? If there are to be changes, will they be properly compensated for those changes? If they have to reduce production or reduce the use of that land in some way, will they be properly compensated for that in a suitable way as we move forward? As the Minister said in his opening statement:

It is intended to protect wetlands and peatlands. EU regulations require all member states to have a standard in place from the start of this year.

When people see that, it immediately puts it into that frame. The Minister understands this. It is why people-----