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

I confirm to Senator Kyne that the discussions that have been ongoing between our agri-ecology unit in the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have been positive in designing a CAP strategic plan that is fit for purpose for nature and for people, because this is ultimately about the needs of people and of farming communities. I have had positive engagement with the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association, most recently during a visit to Connemara. There is acceptance and willingness to participate in schemes that will benefit biodiversity in particular. We have set highly ambitious targets for nature in the EU biodiversity strategy. Farming communities are willing to play their part in that.

The Senator referred to the Burren. The work being done by Brendan Dunford and the BurrenLIFE programme have been instrumental in informing results-based payment schemes that will be part of the design of the next CAP strategic plan. I am confident that we will achieve a high level of protection of nature and good results-based schemes for farmers in the west of Ireland and right across the country.