Pauline O'Reilly (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Regarding this part and this section of the legislation, many important things are being put on the record today. Many of the issues raised are important and the Minister of State and the Department recognise that and the answers have demonstrated it. Fundamentally, this section is about ensuring that we have a scheme to provide incentives for farmers and other landowners to plant small areas of native woodland. That is the point that we want to get to and it is fair to say we are passionate about this. I have spoken to the Minister of State, Senator Hackett, about this matter many times and her passion for this shines through.Many of the issues raised are important, such as whether one plants on peaty soil. The Minister of State has outlined where birch has been found to contribute to biodiversity in certain circumstances. Another important issue concerns the presence of otters, as raised by Deputy Boylan. That is why SEA and appropriate assessment of the scheme is the most appropriate thing that could happen.

The Minister of State has given a commitment. Three Ministers have given commitments in this Chamber around full consultation. I hope that means what the Minister of State says it means and that there will be consultation on it. We will ensure that happens. Regulations are an important part of the legislative process and of making sure schemes work on the ground. Not everything can or should be put into primary legislation. However, it is fair that we have an opportunity to put on the record through this process what we want to see in the regulations and that has been done.

I will come back on Report Stage. I thank everybody for their engagement on it, including those engaging from the public. I hope that continues through the consultation process.