Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)
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I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Cummins, to the Chamber. The Minister of State will have ten minutes, the group spokespersons will have ten minutes and all other Senators will have five minutes.

John Cummins (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the opportunity to address the Seanad to mark the launch of National Biodiversity Week 2025 and to speak on an issue that is vital to all of us and our future, namely, the preservation of our biodiversity. The Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, would have liked to have been here but sends his apologies. Unfortunately, he had a bereavement in his family and I am sure all here join with me in expressing our condolences to the Minister of State's family. We are thinking of them at this difficult time.

As we are all aware, biodiversity is the foundation of a healthy and sustainable environment providing the essential ecosystem services on which we depend: clean air, water, food and a stable environment. Yet, today, biodiversity in Ireland and across the globe is under threat from habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, climate change and unsustainable land and sea use. National Biodiversity Week offers a moment to celebrate the incredible variety of life on our island, from peatlands and pollinators to our native woodlands and marine life, but it also challenges us to act. We must invest in restoration, support farmers and landowners in sustainable practices and engage the public in stewardship of our shared national heritage. Biodiversity loss is not just an environmental issue; it is also an economic and social issue.National Biodiversity Week, which takes place from 16 May to 25 May, is an annual ten-day celebration of nature and wildlife that offers a variety of free events and activities which aim to highlight the importance of biodiversity. It is organised by the Irish Environmental Network and funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS. It provides opportunities for the public to connect with nature and learn from local experts and groups that are actively working to protect our natural heritage.

As well as highlighting the importance of biodiversity, National Biodiversity Week is also about experiencing the fun, enjoyment and spectacle of the nature that surrounds us and connecting with a wider environment. A wide range of events have been organised by the NPWS sites, partner organisations and agencies, NGOs, heritage and conservation groups along with many more. These events will reach communities in every corner of Ireland and will showcase our coasts, rivers, estuaries, hedgerows, peatlands, native woodlands and the marine environment. Guided nature walks and field trips for children will introduce participants to pollinators and other biodiversity in local green spaces. Hands-on workshops will also take place. There will also be an opportunity to discover wildlife through whale watching, farm walks, biodiversity cycle tours, art workshops and more. All events are published on the National Biodiversity Week website and will be promoted by the Irish Environmental Network and the National Parks and Wildlife Service throughout the week.

As people gather to celebrate biodiversity across Ireland, they will also discuss how to protect and restore biodiversity. As National Biodiversity Week kicks off, a variety of in-person and virtual events will bring communities together nationwide to be inspired by nature and learn how to pitch in to protect it. Families and students can even participate in biodiversity week at home through special events like the biodiversity scavenger hunt, which is a self-guided activity to discover wildlife in gardens and local parks. The backyard bioblitz will see wildlife experts on hand throughout the week to help to identify photos of animals and plants submitted online. Amateur nature photographers are invited to submit photos for the 13th annual biodiversity photographer of the year competition, which is happening throughout the month of May.

A number of key international awareness days will also take place during the week. These include the European Commission on 21 May inviting all member states and stakeholders to celebrate the day by organising and supporting bioblitz events in Natura 2000 sites. This year's theme for International Day of Biodiversity, on 22 May, is "harmony with nature and sustainable development". European Day of Parks, on 24 May, is a commemorative day for protected areas across Europe that was launched in 1999 by EUROPARC Federation to celebrate protected areas throughout Europe. European Day of Parks celebrates the creation of the first national park in Europe, a set of nine parks created in Sweden in 1909.

I encourage everyone to attend their local events. In my own constituency in Waterford, events are planned to allow people to see and appreciate the marine life near Heilbhic, along with guided biodiversity walks and talks in the Comeragh Mountains, in the Anne Valley and along the beautiful Waterford greenway. Events will be held across the country from Glenveagh, which will host Le Chéile don Dúlra on 21 May, to a celebration of Natura 200 in St. Gobnait's Wood, which is a special area of conservation in Cork, and in the Connemara National Park.

Substantial progress has been made in recent years to support biodiversity, in particular through the efforts of the NPWS. I compliment the team there, and I know I do so on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, for the work they do day in, day out. Of course, the NPWS is an agency under the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Biodiversity action in Ireland has grown considerably in recent years, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with landowners and local communities to enable a collective response to the biodiversity crisis we face.A significant number of initiatives, projects and funding streams managed by the NPWS are now delivering positive change for a range of habitats and species across our country. As we mark National Biodiversity Week, I invite all Members of the House to reflect on the urgent need to protect and restore our natural heritage. Biodiversity underpins the well-being of this and future generations. I welcome the contributions of colleagues and look forward to a constructive debate on how we can better protect our biodiversity going forward.

Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)
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Senator Fitzpatrick will share time with Senator Daly. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the Minister of State and join with him and colleagues in offering deepest sympathies and condolences to the Minister of State, Deputy O’Sullivan, on the death of his dear sister, Anne Cullinane. May she rest in peace. I acknowledge the presence of the former Minister of State with responsibility for biodiversity, Senator Malcolm Noonan. During the previous Oireachtas term, I had the great pleasure of welcoming him to the great botanic gardens my constituency, where he launched the latest national biodiversity plan. It is with great pleasure that we get to take time today to talk about biodiversity, because it is probably one of the nicest subjects politicians can get to engage in.

I commend the staff of Leinster House who take care of our biodiversity here on the grounds. It gives me great pleasure every day to come in and see the seasons changing, and the way the grass has been cut or not cut, the flowers growing and the wildlife that encourages. We are very privileged to serve here, and that privilege is greatly enhanced by the surroundings we all get to enjoy on a daily basis. It is easy to take that for granted and I do not want to do that. I acknowledge the very fine work that is undertaken.

When talking about biodiversity closer to home, there are a number of groups in my constituency. The Minister spoke about the Government's commitment, the State's commitment and the amount of resources that have been put in place to encourage and support biodiversity, not just in an informal way but in statutory activities, and that is very welcome. However, it is the people who daily give their time to protect our natural heritage and environment who are the real heroes of biodiversity. I am talking about people who are involved in groups like Connecting Cabra, which is a grassroots organization of people who live in Cabra and come together. Cabra was built as a post-war local authority housing estate. Many of the houses have very large back gardens but very modest front gardens and not an enormous amount of green space. The members of Connecting Cabra have come together and are reintroducing nature in a myriad of different ways. I congratulate them on the work they have done to date and I encourage anybody who has free time this weekend to go out and visit them in Cabra. They will be a holding a biodiversity festival this weekend. They are not the only people in Dublin Central, however, engaged in championing our biodiversity and natural heritage. It is happening at Mud Island in North Strand, as well as in Ballybough. Who would have thought there would be somewhere like the Mud Island Community Garden in an area that everybody associates with the concrete jungle of the inner city? It is a spectacular garden. Senator Noonan has visited it . One sees the seasons change, the wildlife, the plants and the growth. It is such a beautiful oasis of nature and biodiversity in the city.

In Phibsborough there is a great biodiversity group which holds a Buzzfest event every year. The Buzzfest is about bees, primarily the bees of our Royal Canal. We in the city are blessed to have our canals. On the northside we have the Royal Canal and on the southside there is the Grand Canal. The Royal Canal is one of the most spectacular places in the city. It is a haven for wildlife. Up by Broombridge on the banks of the Royal Canal there is a nest with five swan's eggs in it, and that swan is guarding them with her life. That is just one example of biodiversity in the capital. I congratulate everybody who is involved in championing biodiversity on a daily basis in their ordinary lives. I want to champion all of the State organisations which give of their time and have built biodiversity protection into their policies and operations. Fianna Fáil as a party in government is absolutely committed to rising to the challenge of climate change and restoring biodiversity, which is our natural heritage, via a just transition to a sustainable society and circular economy. It behoves all of us to do all we can in our daily lives to ensure our biodiversity and natural heritage is championed and protected, because it is not just an environmental issue but a social issue, one that will pay dividends not just for us in our daily lives, but for future generations to come. I suggest, in the week that is in it, we all recommit ourselves in whatever small way we can to protecting and championing our biodiversity.

Paul Daly (Fianna Fail)
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I wish to be associated with the remarks of the Minister of State, Deputy Cummins, and those of my colleague, Senator Fitzpatrick, in sending my deepest sympathies and condolences to my good friend and colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy O’Sullivan, on the death of his sister, Anne. Go ndéanfaidh Dia trócaire ar a hanam uasal.

When I stand up in the House, people wait to see what aspect of farming I will talk about, but I am going to give everyone a break on this occasion and not mention farming. I acknowledge, however, the great role that our farmers and agricultural sector play in our biodiversity. As the custodians of the land, while often knocked, our farmers and farming community are our best minders and proactively protect and enhance our biodiversity. I will leave the agricultural side at that.

There is an issue I have raised here before and it is a bugbear I have. The fourth national biodiversity national action plan refers to taking, "a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach". The new biodiversity guidance for public and State bodies sets out that it is a legal requirement for public and State bodies to consider biodiversity in their decision-making and daily operations.

I will move on to Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the maintenance of our motorways. It drives me mad, to say the least, every morning and evening as I come to Dublin from Kilbeggan on the M4 and M6 these days to see lorries with big yellow arrows protecting tractors with flail mowers and self-propelled lawn mowers mowing the 1.5 m wide strip of grass on both sides and in the centre of the motorway. It is not in any way a hazard. It does not in any way affect the safety of the motorway. It does not in any way hinder visibility along the motorway. These are lawns 2 in. or 3 in. high because these people will be back mowing religiously again in another three weeks. We are trying to promote no-mow May, etc., for the sake of the dandelion and the red and white clover. Pollination is part of biodiversity. Our Irish native honeybees are becoming extinct. We do not need to mow this grass until September. If we do a simple calculation, on the motorway I mentioned, which runs from here to Galway, 1 m of grass on both sides of that road multiplied by the distance from here to Galway is the equivalent of 95 or 96 acres of potential dandelions for our bees. The State owns that land and there is no reason of safety or otherwise to interfere with it during the summer months. If we had a national park of 95 acres or a farmer or an individual who was prepared to donate 95 acres to the State for biodiversity, there would be bells and whistles everywhere. We have it under the control of Transport Infrastructure Ireland. Leave it alone. Let the bees have it until September. That is only the road from Dublin to Galway; we have motorways all over the country. I got slated when I mentioned the need to cut grass for safety reasons on secondary roads and back roads. I am not talking about secondary roads and back roads. I am not talking about long, heavy grass that lies out on a road. I am talking about 3 in. or 4 in. of grass on the verges of motorways that is not in any way a safety hazard. If nothing else comes out of this debate, I want the Minister of State to take that back to the Department of Transport and see if it can be looked at.It would save a fortune of money as well as the good it would do for biodiversity. That is the one issue I wanted to raise. I thank our spokesperson, Senator Fitzpatrick, for allowing me the time. I hope the Minister of State can bring this matter back and that something can be done about it. It is a no-brainer.

Victor Boyhan (Independent)
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I welcome the Minister. I wish to be associated with the condolences to the Minister of State, Deputy O’Sullivan, on the loss of his dear sister. May she rest in peace. My thoughts are also with their extended family.

I will start with agriculture. I am a member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food and, although it is now a separate committee, I am also on the marine committee. I will focus on agriculture. Farmers and many Senators represent farming communities are fully committed to saving our biodiversity. We are now going to embark on preparations for the next Common Agricultural Policy, CAP. In the 2023-27 CAP, many commitments and promises were achieved in the context of creating and maintaining habitats and the importance of that. I make the case again that we must incentivise our farmers, too. Clearly, under CAP, the European Green Deal and particularly in the EU context of our consciousness of the environment, as well as our own, we have to look at imaginative ways of embracing set-aside in certain circumstances. We had all of this years ago. There are ecosystems and best farm practices that we can and should embrace. That is really important. I am making the strong case that we should support, incentivise and reward farmers when it comes to biodiversity because it is important. It was promised that by 2030, habitat biodiversity assessments would be conducted regularly as part of the national farm survey. That is important and something we need to keep in our minds going forward.

I acknowledge the former Minister of State and current Senator, Malcolm Noonan, in this regard. He very much led in this area. Many of the things he predicted a few years ago have come true and many of the benefits he set in place are beginning to come through. One of the important benefits, and one which I wish to acknowledge today, is how he championed and sought to ensure that every one our 31 local authorities had a biodiversity officer. That is very important. I have a word of caution in this regard, however. On a printout I received today of the 31 local authorities and the names of each of the biodiversity officers, in many cases there is an asterisk after the names. At the end of the list, it states that these positions - the ones with an asterisk beside them - are positions funded entirely by the relevant local authority. There is not too many of them. Currently, many of these biodiversity officers are funded centrally from the Department. We do not know how long that is going to continue. We need the Minister, and I ask the Minister of State to take this back, to do an audit of that. What are the contractual arrangements for each of our 31 local authorities? In some local authorities, they actually have two officers. We want to ensure they remain in these roles. That is really important. They have a key role, and rightly so, in communities that are driving this agenda. We need to ensure they are part of a multiteam in terms of planning, heritage and biodiversity and they are all interconnected. I acknowledge the absolute commitment of the former Minister of State, Senator Noonan, to driving that and his enormous commitment to the Heritage Council.

Virginia Teehan heads up the Heritage Council in Kilkenny. It has done an amazing job. While I had concerns initially when the Minister brought forward proposals to give additional powers and functions to the Heritage Council, I now see the benefit. It is all under one roof and collectively driven. It is not broken up between natural heritage and built heritage. All heritage, be it built, natural or maritime heritage and all of that, is included. Virginia Teehan is doing an amazing job, as is the whole organisation. It is driven. What has really impressed me about the Heritage Council’s work in the area of biodiversity is that it interviews and assists local authorities in recruiting biodiversity officers and heritage officers. It provides a one-stop shop. It knows what it is doing. It is building strong, practical relationships and putting plans in place. It is also cosupporting and cofounding projects in a co-ordinated way rather than some Minister at a desk in some building or headquarters deciding who best can benefit from this funding because it is politically advantageous for them. It is now done on a numeric and assessment basis. That is important. Looking at the functions and responsibilities of a biodiversity officer in a local authority, there are six or seven points. They are mandated to create a local biodiversity forum; to write a local biodiversity plan in conjunction with others; to research surveys and collect data; to provide advice on biodiversity to all local authority staff; to undertake community engagement in raising awareness of biodiversity and driving forward practical projects in partnership with others; to develop strategies, policies and projects relating to wildlife, habitats and biodiversity; and to provide biodiversity expertise to groups such as the heritage forum and the climate action team. They are doing amazing work. It is a good news story. We need to support it. We need to secure the funding model going forward for each of these biodiversity officers. There will come a time when the Department may have to review it or give block funding to the local authorities. These people are working and want their jobs to be secure. They want their work to continue to grow. I acknowledge all the people who have played their role or part in this.

Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)
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Before I move to the next speaker, I welcome the students and staff of Skerries Community College who are here this afternoon. They are guests of Deputy Grace Boland. I hope they enjoy the day and learn a lot about our Houses of Parliament. They are all welcome.

PJ Murphy (Fine Gael)
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First, on behalf of the Fine Gael group, I express my sympathies to the Minister of State, Deputy O’Sullivan, and his family on the loss of his sister.

As Fine Gael’s spokesperson for biodiversity, I am delighted to speak on the merits of biodiversity week. I am grateful to my party leader and the Tánaiste, Deputy Simon Harris, for appointing me to this position as spokesperson for biodiversity in the Seanad. One of the reasons I first entered politics many years ago was because of my love of the Irish countryside, its flora and fauna and the nature around me and my desire to see it protected. As a farmer and as someone who observes nature both in my own farm and in the Irish countryside on my travels for work every day, I know that agriculture and nature can and must coexist. Indeed, they must go hand in hand.

As a commercial beekeeper for more than 20 years, I clearly understand the problems and threats posed by both the deliberate and accidental introduction of new species to our island. We need to be much more restrictive on honey bee imports in particular. I am quite concerned about the lackadaisical approach taken by both this Government and the previous Government in advancing through the Dáil the legislation that passed through this House more than two and a half years ago on restricting and limiting the imports of queen bees into Ireland.

As an angler and a hunter, I am aware that our traditional country sports are sustainable only while there is a surplus to be harvested within nature. Year on year, we see these surpluses diminish. Our salmon stocks and our red grouse and grey partridge numbers, all key game species in this country, have declined in the past 40 years. That does not need to be the case. Through good fisheries management in catchments such as the Erriff River on the border between Galway and Mayo, we have seen how salmon numbers can be sustainable and how angling can be sustainable in well-managed fisheries. Through several projects with red grouse in Wicklow and Galway, we have seen that with good management and predator control, populations can be kept sustainable. The same can be said for the Lough Boora project with the grey partridge, where we have seen the almost extinct Irish grey partridge brought back to population numbers where they have been able to be reintroduced to other parts of the country. With good management, not only do we retain these key native species, but we retain our traditional ways of life as well.

Over the millennia, species have come and gone naturally. However, the current extinction rate is unprecedented and accelerating. Species decline and extinction are beginning to affect the ecosystems services that we, as humans, depend on.All of these ecosystems are themselves dependent on biodiversity, from the tiniest microbes to the largest mammals, and their interactions, which together make up the web of life that we have all around us. Ireland is home to globally important populations of birds, fish, mammals, invertebrates, plants and fungi across a wide range of terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitats. The seas and coasts surrounding our island support vast colonies of seabirds, abundant fish and cold water coral reefs, whales and dolphins, as well as rich algal and invertebrate communities. On land there is a wealth of species in our mountains, peatlands, turloughs, woodlands, grasslands, lakes, rivers and coastal habitats. Over 31,000 species have been recorded in Ireland and its surrounding seas and I have no doubt there are many more yet to be discovered.

However, half of our rivers and two thirds of our estuaries are not in good ecological health. Very often in this and the other House of the Oireachtas people point at farmers when it comes to water quality but maybe we need to look at municipal wastewater treatment in our towns and villages and in rural Ireland. In my own municipal district of south Galway, we have two salmon rivers, the Dunkellin which runs through Craughwell and Kilcolgan, where it enters the sea, and the Clarin which enters the sea at Clarinbridge. These three settlements are not serviced with wastewater treatment facilities and water quality in these salmon rivers is declining year on year, along with the salmon numbers in the rivers. It is also worth noting that these two rivers enter the south of Galway Bay at the world famous but very vulnerable St. George oyster beds which are also seeing problems because of water enrichment in the estuary. I raised the issue of wastewater servicing of these settlements with the housing Minister in this House on two occasions but I have yet to receive an answer of any substance. Silence is what I received.

The Burren lowlands of south Galway and north Clare are, on a European scale, the most important habitat for bumblebees. Our limestone walls and pavements have for centuries, if not millennia, provided critical nest sites for these creatures. Over 80 species of bumblebee are found in this very small geographical area but one in five is now endangered. One in seven of these species is deemed to be near extinction and one in ten is deemed to be vulnerable to extinction. Due to poorly considered regulations by our Department of agriculture, hundreds if not thousands of kilometres of stone walls are condemned to disappear from the west of Ireland in an attempt to promote hedgerows that do not naturally have a place in this part of our landscape. When these walls go, they are gone forever and with them the fragile local ecosystem that they have sustained over the centuries.

All is not negative, however. In recent years due to fantastic voluntary efforts and State assistance, with particular credit due to my colleague here, Senator Noonan, we have seen the successful reintroduction of a number of key raptor species. The golden eagle, the white-tailed eagle, the red kite and the osprey now grace Irish skies again after decades, and in some cases centuries, of absence. Due to improvements in habitats on cutaway bogs, the common crane has now resumed its place in the Irish countryside and the little egret, which was rarely sighted just 20 years ago, is now a common sight throughout Ireland. This winter, a pair of glossy ibis made a temporary home on my own farm in south Galway. This is a bird that up until a few years ago I had only ever seen in pictures online. Now, due to improved habitat across the western seaboard, we are seeing them more commonly right around the area that I live in. Barn owl numbers are also on the rise throughout Ireland, as are those of most other native birds of prey, including the peregrine falcon which almost disappeared completely from this island in the 1990s. This being said, we must never get complacent. The curlew and lapwing numbers have been declining sharply over the last ten years. Work is being done on this but numbers continue to decline nationally. As farmers we must find a way to be productive in our industry while also making room for nature. As politicians, we need to give responsible leadership so that future generations of Irish people can enjoy the magnificent natural living wonders of this beautiful island home that we live in.

Maria McCormack (Sinn Fein)
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I will share time with Senator Collins, if that is okay.

Victor Boyhan (Independent)
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Yes, it is okay. We are not under enormous pressure, given the number of people present. It might be possible to take another five minutes later if the Senator wants. Does she want to share time?

Maria McCormack (Sinn Fein)
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Yes.

Victor Boyhan (Independent)
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Is that agreed? Agreed.

Maria McCormack (Sinn Fein)
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On behalf of the Sinn Féin group, I extend my condolences to the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, on the loss of his sister.

I am happy to talk about biodiversity. In Laois, and nationally, we have a real opportunity to tackle biodiversity and the climate crisis in a meaningful way. We must follow on from the work our colleague, Senator Noonan, did when he held the brief. In my county there is a visionary proposal to develop a greenway through Cúl na Móna, linking Cashel and Ross bogs, along disused Bord na Móna railway lines. The project is about scenic walking rather than cycling trails and rewilding, restoring vital habitats and reconnecting communities with the beautiful nature that surrounds them. This initiative has unanimous support from Laois County Council. It has the potential to transform a post-industrial landscape into a thriving biodiversity corridor, while supporting native species, strengthening water quality and acting as a carbon sink. It is a win for climate, nature and the people of Laois.

We know the reality. Ireland is in the grip of a biodiversity emergency. We have to do more. Some 80% of our habitats are in a poor or inadequate condition. Species like mallard ducks, kestrels, butterflies and native plants are disappearing at an alarming rate. Nearly half of our freshwater systems are in decline. It is now not just an environmental issue; it is a health, economic and cultural one. Projects like the Cúl na Móna greenway offer a way forward. We have seen successes locally in Laois with Abbeyleix bog, where local people came together to protect and restore an ecosystem. That model works. Laois has its vision, but we need Government support to make it happen. A motion was passed by local county councillors in Laois in October 2024, but we need the Government to drive this forward and engage Bord na Móna so that the project is not delayed any longer. This is more than just a local trail. It is about setting a national example that climate action can be community led, nature has value beyond profit and rural Ireland can be at the heart of real environmental leadership. We all need to enshrine the right to a clean, healthy and safe environment in our Constitution, something recommended by our citizens' assembly. I ask the Minister of State to back the new greenway in Laois and biodiversity and build a better future for all through biodiversity.

Joanne Collins (Sinn Fein)
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I welcome the Minister of State. Today, during biodiversity week, I want to speak about the urgent need to protect and restore biodiversity, especially through a better approach to forestry. I also want to reflect on what that means for my county, Limerick. Ireland is in the grip of a biodiversity disaster and crisis. One in five rare species is at risk of extinction. Our native woodlands, once thriving, are now scarce, reduced to just over 1% of our land area. In County Limerick, we are fortunate to have pockets of extraordinary natural beauty, from the Ballyhoura Mountains to the wooded valleys of Shannon and Deel, but even these landscapes are under pressure. For too long, forestry policy in Ireland has worked against biodiversity. Blanketed Sitka spruce plantations, often in inappropriate sites, have done real damage to soil, river and habitats. In Limerick, communities have raised genuine concerns about monoculture plantations planted without proper consultation or regard for local ecosystems. Let me be clear. We need more trees, but we need the right trees in the right places and for the right reasons. We need to move away from industrial forestry and towards a nature first approach. We need to move to native woodlands, mixed-species planting and forests that support wildlife, clean our air and water and strengthen our rural communities. That means supporting farmers in Limerick and right across Ireland to become stewards of biodiversity. They should be rewarded, not penalised, for protecting native trees, hedgerows and wetlands. These features are not barriers to productivity; they are building blocks to a sustainable future.

We must stop planting on carbon-rich peat soils. Such so-called green projects are, in fact, carbon time bombs. I was very taken aback by the statement by the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Healy-Rae, during our discussion on forestry a few weeks ago that not only would he continue to plant on our bogs and peatlands but he actually is promoting an increase in planting on those areas, which we know emit more carbon than they soak.

The Government's forestry strategy must go beyond words. It must deliver funding, enforcement and, above all, trust that the forestry system works for people and for nature. Sinn Féin stands for a forestry policy that values biodiversity, respects local voices and leaves a legacy of living landscapes, not just timber profits. In County Limerick and beyond, our biodiversity is not just a treasure; it is a responsibility. Let us mark National Biodiversity Week not with slogans but with serious political will.

Victor Boyhan (Independent)
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I thank the Senator for her constructive use of time. The next slot is for the Cross-Party Group. There are three speakers on my list but I see only two are in attendance, namely, Senators Cosgrove and Noonan. As time is on our side, and if the Minister of State is amenable, I propose that the Senators have five minutes each. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Nessa Cosgrove (Labour)
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I will not even need five minutes. The Minister of State is very welcome. I take this opportunity to give praise to my colleague Senator Noonan. I am delighted he is part of our group because, as Minister of State, he placed biodiversity and the threat of biodiversity loss firmly on the agenda within policies. His legacy will always be there and I thank him for that.

Other speakers referred to the impact of having not only biodiversity officers but heritage officers as well. The roles are all intertwined. It is really important, as the Acting Chairperson said, that the Government makes sure the funding continues and there is no inconsistency in or threat to that funding.

As someone from a coastal community, I take the opportunity of these statements on National Biodiversity Week to talk about our inland and offshore fisheries. Thus far in the lifetime of our planet, there have been at least five mass extinction events, each of which, in turn, probably took place 440 million, 365 million, 250 million, 210 million and 65 million years ago. We are all familiar with the theory that a comet caused the last mass extinction 65 million years ago. However, the four previous events were likely caused by volcanic activity and changes in oceanic chemistry such as changes in oxygen, methane and carbon dioxide levels in the deep sea.

At 99 years of age, the veteran environmentalist and film maker, David Attenborough, has just released a new film in which he shows in graphic detail the damage we are doing through overfishing, over-exploitation and the wasteful and unacceptable pillaging of life from the ocean. This is not only stripping the oceans of life we need to maintain, but the methods we use to trawl the seabed for fish and the extraction of oil and gas from wells deep under the seabed increase the release of carbon dioxide and methane into the sea, which measurably alters the chemical make-up of the water. Most marine life is extremely well adapted to the conditions it finds itself in and is not necessarily easily adaptable. A slight change in the chemical make-up of the water has a profound effect on the creatures that live in it. Having moved from the surface of the water into the air, the same CO2 and methane move into the atmosphere, adding to the levels of warming gasses and driving warmer temperatures on the earth and in the oceans. Colder oceans slow and even prevent the escape of methane gas from the seabed to the surface, while warmer oceans transport methane more quickly from seabed to surface.

As other speakers have noted, for all our actions, there is a reaction, as we are all living forms and are all connected. On the one hand, we are asking farmers in Leitrim, Sligo and Donegal to rewet their lands to trap carbon. However, we are also allowing super trawlers and fossil fuel conglomerates to play havoc with the delicate balance of ocean life as their actions accelerate the release of carbon dioxide and methane, which is 80 times more warming than CO2, into the atmosphere.David Attenborough assures us that there is hope, which is great. He describes the sea as our greatest ally against climate catastrophe. He says that the sea is able to recover and bounce back stronger than ever with remarkable speed in ways that we did not know or understand previously. This is a message that I am heartened to hear. Living in a coastal community like Sligo, I am heartened that National Biodiversity Week in Sligo later this week will recognise the importance of our inland and the care that we need to take of our inland and coastal waters. We need to heed the serious and real warnings from environmentalists that we risk being responsible for a new mass extinction but we also need to heed the message of hope. Most of all we need to act. Messages of hope will not bring about change. We as legislators can bring about change. Going back to my first point, we need to make sure the loss of biodiversity is at the forefront of any monetary decision. The impact on the environment and most importantly the impact on biodiversity should be the forefront of any of those decisions.

Malcolm Noonan (Green Party)
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I extend my sympathies to the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, on the passing of his sister Anne. I am delighted with his appointment. He has the same grá for this post as I did. I thank the Members for their kind comments on my small role over the past couple of years in stopping the rot. We had a poor track record up to that. I thank the Taoiseach because he gave me great support during my time in office and I had cross-party support as well.

I will start National Biodiversity Week on Friday on Lough Ree with Owen Murphy and the fantastic team with the Breeding Waders European innovation partnership, EIP. It is a fantastic project. Senator Murphy spoke about the loss of many of our breeding wading birds and our ground-nesting birds. That is an innovative project doing fantastic work with farmers and local communities in trying to keep important species on our landscape. I am looking forward to that.

I pay tribute to the Irish farm network, National Parks and Wildlife Service and everybody involved in biodiversity week. I think back to taking over the ministerial role in 2020 and examining the context of it. We were in the depths of a global pandemic and nature became a great consolation to all of us. We found in our 2 km and 5 km walks that we started noticing nature. Perhaps because things were becoming more silent, we could hear the birds singing and we could notice the sights and sounds of nature more. It did spark a reawakening in all of our collective consciousness of the need, importance and significance of restoring nature. I welcome that. The Government was leading on what communities had asked us to do and what farmers had been asking us to do. That is where we took that lead and initiative from. I pay tribute to the leaders on that over the past number of years, such as the NPWS. It is an incredible organisation. It has incredibly dedicated public servants. Some of them will be watching our debate this afternoon.

I travelled the country and visited every county in my little grey partridge, as I called her. It was incredible to see the work they were doing, from general operatives in our national parks to the park rangers to the district conservation officers to all of the scientific staff right up to the top level, headed by Niall O'Donoghue and his team. I saw an incredibly dedicated group of people who finally had been given the resources to do all of the stuff that they wanted to do for decades. Some of these people were 20 to 30 years in the NPWS and never had those resources to lead on the headstarting programmes for curlews, the grey partridge project, the natterjack toad and the reintroduction of species. All of these projects have been hugely important. It is also about the tracks and trials in our national parks and nature reserves. We now have two new national parks. We could and should have more. We also have more nature reserves. The NPWS has purchased quite a lot of land over the past number of years and all of that will be put to good use for nature. The critical issue has been the shift in the relationship between the NPWS and particularly landowners and farmers over the past number of years. It is now a much more collaborative approach. We have farm plan schemes and good schemes there such as EIPs and LIFE projects that farmers want to be actively involved in. Before they were being told by the EU to follow a certain method of production and now this is a whole changed approach.Farmers are embracing biodiversity. There has to be money attached to that. Some people call that compensation but it is not. It is about getting paid properly for ecosystem services, water quality and restoring nature on their land. That brings us to the next big project that we have to do collectively as a country, which is the new national nature restoration plan. That is going to be a very important piece of work that is being led by Dr. Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin and the team in the NPWS. I look forward to seeing that emerge.

There is one critical issue I have to raise. My colleague spoke about the drivers of biodiversity loss. We are looking at real concerns about EU funding and where it is going to go. Is it going to go to environmental schemes like the LIFE projects or is it going to be siphoned off for defence spending? The Government has to play an important role in shaping that conversation and to then look separately at the big driver of biodiversity losses. Yes, we can have headstarting programmes and perimeter and predator proof fences to protect lapwing and other species but we are really at nothing unless we tackle the root cause of this, which is economic growth. That is our global economic system and financial flows from countries like Ireland into polluting industries and fossil fuels. This is a bigger picture for all of us. It is important that as a Government we must lead on that.

I thank the Irish Environmental Network. I want people to go out and enjoy nature in their locality because it is everywhere, as Senator Fitzpatrick said. Even here in Dublin city centre amazing work is being done. Let us go out and enjoy it. People should go out and enjoy biodiversity week. They should go out and appreciate it and when they have done that, they should lobby their politicians to ensure we increase the spending and continue to invest in nature and our wonderful National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Victor Boyhan (Independent)
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I welcome Deputy Claire Kerrane and her guests to the House.

Sarah O'Reilly (Aontú)
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We have incredible biodiversity in Ireland. This week represents a great opportunity for people not only to enjoy it aesthetically but also to understand the necessity of our biodiversity. On Sunday, Cavan Public Participation Network, along with the Irish Environmental Network, launched National Biodiversity Week in beautiful Belturbet, County Cavan. There was a huge turnout with a wide range of outdoor workshops. Attendees got to enjoy Turbet Island, which is a very unusual island in the middle of a town that hosts a lot of biodiversity. People were able to record the biodiversity in the area on their loop walk.

A range of events is happening over the next week in Cavan that will appeal to various age groups. It is great to see children in particular taking great joy in being in forests and out enjoying natural scenery. In my local forest there is a bat walk. It is a wonderful way to build community and take people out of the digital space we find ourselves in and increasingly more attached to. A number of events taking place in Cavan will appeal to both younger and older generations. They range from more data-based workshops to ones that encourage a deeper understanding of Irish biodiversity.

One workshop that stood out was on beekeeping and biodiversity. Thankfully, in recent years we have developed a deeper appreciation for our pollinators and a greater understanding of the vital role they play in sustaining the Irish ecosystem. We need to continue that kind of education. Bees pollinate more than 70% of our wild plants and one third of the food that we eat, from apples to clover. Without them our native flora, food production and the wildlife that depends on these habitats would be at serious risk. If people go to the Cavan Public Participation Network Facebook page, they will find all the activities that are on during the week.

Little steps can happen in different ways. My local parish church, which has land available, decided to do more planting and parishioners made an outdoor classroom beside a lake where they hold little workshops for students close by. Little steps like that are all very encouraging but they need to be funded. If the windscreen of my car over the past couple of weeks is anything to go by, things are improving.

Gareth Scahill (Fine Gael)
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It is fitting to welcome Councillor Leah Cull to the Chamber this afternoon. She is from the biodiverse-rich area of Arigna in north Roscommon so it is topical she is here. It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to speak during biodiversity week. It is a time to reflect on the beauty, resilience and importance of our natural world and to celebrate the local efforts to make a real difference in preserving it. In County Roscommon, we are very proud to lead by example, and across our towns and countryside individuals, communities and organisations are coming together to safeguard and enhance our biodiversity, not just for today but for generations to come.

We have seen powerful work in agricultural communities. The Farming Rathcroghan project is helping to reimagine how we farm, blending heritage and innovation to promote biodiversity on farms while preserving the historical landscape of the Rathcroghan region. As part of the Rathcroghan farming model, we are proud to see the revival and recognition of traditional skills that connect our farming practices with our culture and archaeological heritage. One such skill is dry stone construction which has now been formally recognised as part of Ireland's intangible cultural heritage and inscribed in the UNESCO world heritage representative list. Within the Rathcroghan landscape, techniques such as dry stone walling and hedge laying play a crucial role, not only in supporting biodiversity by creating habitats and corridors for wildlife but also in enhancing the landscape setting of archaeological monuments. These skills reflect a deep-rooted respect for the land and its history and are a vital part of how we farm with nature and heritage in mind. I congratulate Richie Farrell, who runs the project in Rathcroghan, and the team around him.

Perhaps one of the most inspiring examples is in Taghmaconnell, where the Karst Farming Group is doing pioneering work. The recently published biodiversity report shines a light on the unique karst landscape, a fragile and precious system of limestone soils, wetlands and underground water systems. This report does not just document the richness of local flora and fauna, it sets out a community-led vision for how farming and biodiversity can thrive together. I was delighted to see on Monday funding of €1.6 million approved from the recent European Innovation Partnership under the CAP strategic plan for connecting old and new farming technologies to conserve the unique species of the karst grassland.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the great work of our local GAA clubs on the green club programme. GAA clubs across Roscommon have embraced the role of environmental stewards, promoting sustainability through actions such as pollinator friendly planting, energy conservation and waste reduction. It is a brilliant example of sport and sustainability going hand in hand.

These are not just isolated projects. They are connected by a shared vision, which is one of respect for nature, pride in our local environment and a commitment to acting locally to solve global challenges. As we mark biodiversity week, let us recognise and support these efforts and be inspired to do more, because protecting biodiversity is not just the job of experts, it is a role we all share. Whether it is planting for pollinators, supporting sustainable farming or simply cherishing the wild spaces around us, as my colleague Senator Noonan mentioned, every action counts.

Eileen Lynch (Fine Gael)
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I would like to be associated with the remarks of sympathy to the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, on the loss of his sister.

It is very timely we are having this discussion today for biodiversity week as we face so many challenges in terms of biodiversity. We need a practical, future focused approach, one that respects our rural communities and values the role of farmers as stewards of the land. I say this with urgency because the evidence is now overwhelming. Ireland's biodiversity is under serious pressure.

Nowhere is this more evident and nowhere is both the challenge and opportunity demonstrated more than in The Gearagh, just outside Macroom in my constituency of Cork North-West. This ancient riverine woodland, a rare alluvial forest formed by the River Lee, is of European ecological significance.It is home to otters, kingfishers and many unique wetland habitats. However, decades of drainage, forestry and hydroelectric development have damaged what was previously a vast wilderness. There is now a massive opportunity to restore and protect what remains. That means working closely with local farmers and landowners, not against them. We have seen through the Gearagh management plan the start of a collaborate vision – one that includes low-impact farming, ecotourism potential and environment enhancement. These are the kinds of localised, community-rooted conservation models that we should be supporting.

At a national level, as has been mentioned, the CAP strategic plan is already funding biodiversity actions that work. Through ACRES, farmers receive payments for planting pollinator-friendly margins, preserving hedgerows, protecting water courses and supporting breeding habitats for endangered birds like the curlew and the lapwing. These are practical, measurable actions, and farmers are responding positively to them.

In Cork, the biodiversity regeneration in a dairying environment, BRIDE, project has led the way, offering results-based payments for tangible, visible improvements. Fine Gael has long championed results-based agri-environmental schemes, and it is time to expand models like BRIDE across more high nature value areas.

There is, of course, as I mentioned, room to improve, but there is always room to improve. We need more flexibility and regional targeting within ACRES so that farmers in areas like the Lee Valley in Cork and the Mushera mountains are supported to tackle their specific environmental challenges. We need stronger interagency co-ordination between the NPWS, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Teagasc and our local authorities across the country so that landowners can get clear, co-ordinated advice on biodiversity-friendly practices and there is investment in habitat restoration projects like the Gearagh, not through top-down directives but through bottom-up partnerships with those who know the land best.

I also acknowledge the role that local hunt, gun and coursing clubs play in conservation of our native wildlife. However, I want to be clear: illegal or out-of-season hunting, or disturbance of protected species, undermines our conservation goals and cannot be tolerated. While there is a close partnership between the NPWS and An Garda Síochána in this regard, we need to see more done to stamp out illegal hunting through the establishment of a wildlife crime unit. Enforcement must be fair and firm but, equally, it is vital that we include gun clubs and games associations in species monitoring, invasive control and habitat protection because this is partnership in action.

While we are undoubtedly facing a biodiversity crisis, there is also possibility and opportunity. If we get this right, Ireland could lead in Europe on farming and conservation working hand in hand.

Linda Nelson Murray (Fine Gael)
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Biodiversity is one of the most important and vital issues that we as a global community can tackle to improve our planet for future generations. From the breakdown of our waste to the pollination of the most delicate flower to the production of all our food sources, our biosystem has the final say on the direction our planet will take. Clever design and thought-out plans around our towns can contribute to biodiversity in a positive way, as opposed to placing token flower beds or the odd tree in parking spaces around town.

Yesterday, I attended the bio-economy forum in Enfield, County Meath, and it was an eye-opener. I picked up this book called Back to the Future with Beo and Raja. It is a very good way of explaining biodiversity to early learners in a fun way. I highly recommend it.

As it is biodiversity week, I acknowledge my father-in-law, Dr. Declan Murray, who is an emeritus associate professor of zoology with the school of biology and environmental science of UCD. Declan researched, and continues to research, the systematic taxonomy, ecology and distribution of chironomid. Did my fellow Senators know that an Irish man - a Meath man, my father-in-law - through his studies discovered multiple new species of chironomid, which are non-biting midges, to the world of science? Who knew that studying flies was going to be so important to biodiversity in Ireland?

Chironomids are often used to determine the health of streams because of the diversity of the different water cultures they can tolerate. They play important roles in aquatic ecosystems, biomonitoring and conservation due to their ecological diversity. In fact, on many a holiday with my father-in-law, he has come along with his little bag and his net, and has discovered new species of fly to the world in places like Portugal and Lanzarote.So, as part of biodiversity week, I would like to acknowledge my father-in-law, Dr. Declan Murray, who at a ripe old age - let us just say that he is in his 80s - continues to play a pivotal and vital role in biodiversity in Ireland.

Victor Boyhan (Independent)
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I thank the Senator. That is a nice way to conclude the Senators' contributions. On behalf of all Senators, I wish the Minister of State well in her new Ministry. She is no stranger to this House. She was an amazing Senator when she was here. I know she is doing amazing things in her new Ministry. Like all my colleagues, I wish her well. I know she has great respect for this House, its debates and its goings on. She is very welcome. This is the first time I have had an opportunity to see her in this Chamber since she took up her new role. I congratulate her and wish her every success for the coming years.

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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We had four and a half years here. All of us worked together. It was fabulous to learn. I started in the Seanad. Then I was elected to the Dáil and now I am a Minister of State. I am delighted to be sitting here. I have to mention my colleague, Senator Noonan. As everyone will know, we are both from Carlow-Kilkenny.

Malcolm Noonan (Green Party)
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The Minister of State is wearing the Kilkenny colours.

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Yes. Like other speakers, I pay tribute to the work done by Senator Noonan. It is important to highlight that too. I know the work he has done because I worked with him over the previous few years. I thank him for his work. I also thank Senator Nelson Murray's father-in-law, who was ahead of his time.

Linda Nelson Murray (Fine Gael)
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Yes.

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Well done to him. That is how things change. I have to say well done to him as well.

Today is a good news story. We have had a very important discussion. I am bringing it to a close. I thank the Cathaoirleach for the opportunity to discuss the plans for National Biodiversity Week and to highlight the continued efforts of the NPWS to protect and restore Ireland's biodiversity.

I thank all the Senators for their valuable contributions and the shared commitment they have expressed here today to safeguard Ireland's biodiversity. That is what this is all about. Many speakers have spoken about education and communication, which will play a huge role going forward. Senator Malcolm Noonan mentioned funding three or four times, which is another issue we must examine.

It is very clear from the contributions that the issues of biodiversity and our natural heritage are of great importance to this House. We must take action and provide greater investment to halt the loss of biodiversity and work towards a more sustainable relationship with the natural world.

I encourage everyone here to take the opportunity to visit a national park, a nature reserve or a protected area during National Biodiversity Week to witness at first hand the excellent work being done to protect and enhance the natural environment, as we heard so clearly outlined by all of the speakers.

As Senator Noonan and I are here, it is important to give Carlow-Kilkenny a little mention in the context of biodiversity week.

Malcolm Noonan (Green Party)
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Never.

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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I mentioned Carlow-Kilkenny all of the time when I was here. There will be a focus on bees, pollinators, trees, woodlands, rivers and water quality, etc. The staff at Kilkenny Castle give tips to gardeners on growing wildflowers and supporting pollinators. Walks and other initiatives are important. I could go on all day about places like Altamont Gardens in County Carlow. It is important for everyone to highlight their own area, to let people know what can be seen and done, and to explain how we can promote these places and make people aware of them. I am a firm believer that awareness is the key to many things. It is important to inform even a few people about something important that is happening.

We have spoken about the challenges. Funding is challenging. A lot of progress has been made in recent years to support biodiversity, in particular through the efforts of the NPWS and an executive agency under the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Senator Boyhan mentioned city and county biodiversity officers. I know this initiative has had a huge positive influence. I know that in areas that did not previously have biodiversity officers, those officers have done amazing things like writing local biodiversity plans, conducting research surveys and data collection, providing advice to local authority staff on biodiversity, facilitating community engagement and raising awareness. While such changes may seem small, they are not - they are a huge game changer in the sense that we need to work on biodiversity.

In recent years, we have seen the fruits of the investment by the Government with a significant growth in action being taken to support and maintain our biodiversity. While the NPWS has been central to this work, it also relies heavily on collaboration with communities and landowners.People spoke about farmers today and the issues of ACRES and dry stone walls were raised. I can confirm that the National Parks and Wildlife Service will engage, as a matter of urgency, with the Department of agriculture on this very issue. I believe that was brought up earlier as well.

When we talk about our communities, landowners, farmers and recreational land use, it is all a collaborative response to our biodiversity crisis, and we have a crisis. We have our challenges. I know Senator Noonan has been highlighting this for a long time but we are aware. All of us can, whether it be through funding or whatever way we can and through the small things, make those changes. Let us ensure National Biodiversity Week is more than a moment of awareness. Let it be a springboard for sustained action and a commitment to leaving the natural world healthier, richer and more resilient than we found it.

We have to think of our children and the future and to make sure we look at this. However, as we get out to enjoy the nature in this wonderful period of sunny weather, please do not light fires, including barbecues, take the time to properly dispose of cigarettes butts and please bring home your waste. Remember that nature is home to our wildlife and plants. Leave them as you find them for everyone to enjoy.

Victor Boyhan (Independent)
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As always, I thank the Minister of State for her energy and enthusiasm. Well done on a tight but passionate response. It is appreciated.