Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The detailed view of the provisions of the Bill has been discussed here and on previous occasions. The legislation will prohibit fur farming and makes provision for a fair and reasonable scheme of compensation that my Department will make available to the three farm businesses affected by the prohibition which currently operate legitimately. The forestry provisions introduce a limited exemption from a licence around small-scale tree planting which takes place as part of a scheme. This can contribute to Ireland's targets in relation to a wide range of climate priorities, particularly climate change, biodiversity and water quality. It will re-engage landowners with afforestation and enhance our ability to achieve the commitments set out in the programme for Government and the climate action plan.I thank Senators for their engagement, and not just this evening. There was a long and detailed engagement on Committee Stage before I arrived this evening. I assure them that although we might not have agreed on every amendment or every point, I will take the sentiment behind them and the Senators' bona fides in representing those concerns on both major elements of the Bill back to the Department and my ministerial colleagues. I thank the Senators for their detailed and very informed engagement.