Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State is welcome. The change to the Title of the Bill was interesting in that it has brought two distinct areas together, but they are two important areas. I welcome and will support the introduction of the legislation, which will deliver a key commitment made in the programme for Government. In the case of mink farming, it will place a statutory prohibition on the practice, which is welcome because it has been considered outdated and inhumane for some time. It was important that certainty was brought in that regard. Nevertheless, we acknowledge the three mink farms in the country that breed and rear mink for the purposes of producing fur. Obviously, they have been operating a lawful, if not popular, business, so it is important that provision be put in place to offer compensation to those three farm businesses.

One key area of interest to the Minister of State’s brief relates to the section on forestry. What she is proposing in that respect through the Bill is welcome. We are all conscious of the problems that have existed in forestry over recent years, and this will remove a legislative barrier to small-scale native planting. Our native trees are very important in all our counties. My county is named after the oak tree, a particularly lovely tree. I am glad to see we are encouraging farmers. As Senator Kyne said, not every farmer will want to go down this road, but it is important we give those who do the opportunity to do so. My family has forestry land in Kildare and it is mainly native. That farmers will no longer have to acquire a licence for an area of not less than 0.1 ha and not greater than 1 ha is important because it will re-engage farmers in forestry and play a part in meeting the ambitious roadmap towards climate neutrality, as outlined in the climate action plan. That target is ambitious compared with that in recent years and it will be challenging to meet in the next decade, which is why measures such as these must be put in place to support and encourage farmers. Obviously, much more needs to be done to increase our forestry rates substantially over the next decade but I have no doubt that, while this is not a substitute for ongoing work, it is a measure that will help and support people.

I certainly welcome and will support the Bill.