Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas as an deis chun caint faoin dlí athchóirithe nádúir. I am thankful for the opportunity to speak on the nature restoration law. I will be sharing time with the Minister, Deputy Ryan. I will take 15 minutes and he will take five.

As Minister of State with responsibility for nature, it is very important for me to hear the views of Deputies from across the House and to have an opportunity to engage in constructive and honest debate on what will, without doubt, be really transformative legislation for Ireland. The NRL is historic. It is the most powerful instrument for the protection and restoration of nature in 30 years. It is no secret that biodiversity is in steep decline and that nature needs our help. I am sure none of us in this House will disagree with the science in that regard. The nature restoration law presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to arrest and reverse that decline.

For people like me, environmentalists who have the luxury of putting their love of the natural world and all of the species within it at the forefront of their minds, it is a beacon of hope. However, I am keenly aware that for many others, particularly farmers, foresters and fishers, whose livelihoods depend on the use of our lands and seas and who do not have that same luxury, the nature restoration law might be a cause for significant concern. I want to tell those people that I am listening to them, that they will be engaged with, and that their voices will be heard and their concerns addressed.

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