Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

It is very challenging because it is very complex. In response to an earlier question I made the point that there is good news from Brussels today in that the European environment committee has voted through the nature restoration law. I expect that at the Council meeting next Tuesday, when we will be there representing the Irish position, it will also go through. It will then go through a trial-like process to be agreed by the end of the year. This is important. Any influence that Deputy Bruton has on his EPP colleagues for them to support it in the wider parliamentary plenary vote later this summer would be very much welcomed. Such European certainty will help us.

The reason land use is so complex is because it changes. Last year we learned the impact on land use emissions of forestry on peaty soils. This is one such example. On Monday at the break-out session on this issue at the national economic dialogue there was widespread agreement from the farming representatives, environmental NGOs and others on what has happened in the NESC secretariat. It has been engaging in a process of listening. Agreeing principles on how we manage land use, protect the family farm and stop water pollution are examples of the right way to go. What the Government will do for the remaining 20 months in office is to engage in that level of listening and local bottom-up analysis as to how this can benefit rural Ireland. Land use has to be about restoring and strengthening rural communities. Out of this we will see support for the levels of diversification that will deliver on the targets.

See this speech in context