Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion on the EU restoration law. It is our collective responsibility to safeguard protected areas and to nurture biodiversity, as without it, farming is not possible. However, the balance between preserving our natural world and ensuring the livelihoods of our farmers remain uncompromised is critical. They have, after all, been on the front line of our battle against climate change. As we scrutinise this law, it is incumbent on the Government and State bodies to shoulder their responsibility robustly. We cannot in good conscience place the entire weight of nature restoration on our hardworking farmers. Their contribution to this cause is undeniable but the lion's share should not fall solely on their shoulders. The engagement of our farmers in nature restoration should be a shared commitment, centred around volunteerism.

Therefore, Sinn Féin's first amendment provision ensures that public participation forms a cornerstone of our nature restoration plan and process. We seek a voluntary, not obligatory, model where farmers and other land users actively elect to contribute, hence our second amendment provision insists that the schemes developed are discretionary. For those who choose this path, our third amendment proposes adequate financial support as the incentive and reward for their added efforts. This approach will stimulate widespread public participation and inspire other communities and members to contribute. However, the integration of ecological and economic considerations remains a pressing concern. To address this, we propose a provision in the amendment demanding a socioeconomic impact assessment for all plans. Only by understanding the implications can we craft solutions that are fair, efficient and sustainable. Finally, we propose a critical provision in the amendment obligating State bodies to collaborate with farmers and landowners on adjacent lands for any rewetting initiatives. We must provide assurances that if there are any unforeseen consequences, remedial actions will promptly follow.

We believe in the principles underpinning the draft regulation. However, with these focused and considered amendments, we can strive for balance, nurture public participation, and ensure a solution that resonates with all stakeholders. Let us strive for restoration, not in isolation but as a community united in purpose.

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