John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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1759. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on GAEC-2 and if he will take into account the issues for farmers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45720/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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GAEC 2 is a mandatory condition of the payment of the Basic Income Support for Farmers (BISS). It is intended to protect peatlands and wetlands. The EU Regulation for CAP Strategic Plans requires all Member States to have a standard in place this year at the latest.

Ireland's GAEC 2 was approved by the European Commission on 30th April 2025 and is now in place. 

It aims to strike the balance between the vital protection of peatlands and wetlands, and the farmer's right to continue with agricultural activity on this land. The introduction of this standard will have minimal impact on farmers’ day to day operations. 

Farmers and other stakeholders have been part of a consultation process on the implementation of GAEC 2 that began in 2023. Meetings with stakeholders have occurred regularly. Communications have been issued to farmers and advisors throughout 2025. My Department issued a technical note to all agricultural advisors and the agri-media. My Department has written to all individual farmers, that have land subject to the new standard. Approximately 35,000 farmers have land that falls in scope. 

The Department is also unaware of any widespread mapping difficulties relating to farmers' BISS applications.

The proposals for CAP simplification were published in May by Commissioner Hansen. These proposals will only take legal effect after it completes the process of co-decision, with input from the European Parliament and the Council. This is ongoing.

My Department asked for the removal of GAEC 2 from the Regulations, on the basis of overlap between these requirements and other national and EU legislation.  However, the removal of GAEC 2 has not been included in the Commission proposal.  So, GAEC 2 will remain a conditionality requirement, and will be applied from this year onwards.