Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The EU Commission first proposed the nature restoration law in June 2022. What was proposed then is a far different animal than that which was voted through the EU Parliament earlier this week. Notwithstanding the bona fides and goodwill of an EU-wide programme to increase biodiversity, restore habitats and allow nature to flourish, it could not, should not and will not be at the expense of Ireland's agriculture and food-producing sector. There was genuine fear and concern when it was first published. The reference to reducing the use of peaty soils, for example, would, of course, have heightened such fear and concern. I said publicly at that time that there was no recognition of the vast difference between soil types and land types here and in the Nordic countries and the likes of the Mediterranean ones. At that time, I said the proposal smelled of European imperialism. Thankfully, though, due in no small measure to engagement by members of my own party, Members of this House, some of our MEPs and during the process of this law weaving its way through the Council of Ministers, leaders and committees, not to mention the likes of the IFA meeting in Tullamore last year, this is a different animal. Many concerns have since been clarified and have rightly been rectified.

I want to use this opportunity to quell some of the scaremongering that still exists by affording the opportunity to the Ministers with responsibility in this area - which crosses two Departments - to clarify matters and state categorically to this House, to me and, by association, to those we represent, the truth of the matter, so people can clearly understand where we are at and where we are going.

Sometime after the first publication of the law, Teagasc rectified its initial correct calculation, confirming the potential of State lands, such as Bord na Móna and Coillte, to meet the State's obligations. Any scheme to promote, encourage or fund nature restoration will be voluntary. Any farm that opts not to participate will not have its single farm payment affected in any way. The funding that is provided towards such a scheme, which will be debated and agreed over the next two years after consultation, includes funding from Ireland's climate and nature fund, as per the budget of last October and from European funds that will be provided also. That funding will be separate and distinct from the CAP funding. Those are my takings from what was passed this week. Those are my takings from the consultation I have had with the Ministers for agriculture, as well as the Minister of State in the Department of housing, Deputy Noonan. They clarified those points to me, as have MEPs. I need it to be stated categorically in this House that that is the fact. Much scaremongering has been done by Members outside of this House. It suits them to give the impression that this is damaging, but it is not damaging at all. I will now allow the Minister of State to have that opportunity.

See this speech in context