Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 July 2023
203. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for details of any engagement his Department has had with farming, forestry and fisheries representative groups to date in 2023 with regard to the EU nature restoration law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34674/23]
View answerThe Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) is responsible for coordinating the State's position regarding the Nature Restoration Regulation. As such, they are the lead authority for communication, including engagement with representative groups.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has participated in stakeholder engagement, following invitation from DHLGH, for the specific purposes of discussing progress nationally and at EU level regarding the proposed Nature Restoration Regulation. This engagement has involved meetings with the Irish Farmer's Association (IFA) and the Irish Natura and Hill Farmer's Association (INHFA). These meetings were held in person or online and attended by DAFM representatives. In addition, an Official from my Department participated, with colleagues from DHLGH, in a public meeting organised by the IFA on 10 May in Tullamore.
