Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked about the 1 ha threshold. We are trying to make it as easy and as practical as possible for farmers to be able to plant up to 1 ha without a licence. Under the current legislation, the situation which has been in place for many years now, the threshold is 0.1 ha. Anything over 0.1 ha has required a licence for many years but anything under 0.1 ha has not. We are applying what I think is a common-sense approach in increasing that to 1 ha. That will provide farmers with the capacity to manage their land and plant trees on up to 1 ha of their farms and on different parts of their farms, should they wish. I will certainly be looking at how we can support and incentivise farmers to do that plantation. I already have done that with regard to the CAP programme, both in the eco schemes and the agri-environmental scheme to support that. I will continue to look at that.

Deputy Sherlock referred to the specificity of legislation. The point I am making is that when something is put in primary legislation, it applies this year, next year, in ten years, 30 years, 40 years, 50 years and 60 years. We have regulations in law that go back to a time prior to the foundation of the State. We have to think seriously about what we put in primary legislation because long after we have left, those who come after us will have no interest in the contents of this amendment. Officials and persons paid through the taxpayer will have to sit down, prepare a report and submit it, and nobody will ever look at it. What is important is that we have reporting that is relevant and flexible, and gives everyone the information they wish. Of course, on any annual basis there is the opportunity for any Member of the Dáil to seek to bring attention to that and have it dealt with on the floor of the Dáil or in committee. That is a good way to go. We have done a lot of that over the past year. We will be providing that reporting. I will ensure this type of information is provided, is part of our reporting and is accessible. That is the best way to do it rather than putting it in legislation which could be there for many years. That creates an administrative system and a level of red tape that is excessive.

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked about the derogation, a matter I have discussed with the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, in recent days. That derogation will be signed and that adjustment will be in place. We try to take a common-sense approach to everything. We will also look at alternatives for the future and engage on those. The derogation will be in place. We are in government to support farmers in any way we can, through funding and otherwise. We are doing that and a sensible approach is being taken here.

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