Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 May 2023
92. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the proposed EU nature restoration regulation has been considered at the Council of Agriculture Ministers; if so, the proposals he put forward; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25213/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for raising this important topic and I assure him that this is something I have acutely aware of and I am following the situation extremely closely.
The co-decision process for the proposed EU Nature Restoration Law is being managed by the Environment Council. The views of the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers have also been sought, and this proposal was discussed at the Council on 21st November 2022 and on 20th March 2023.
I fully recognise the need to protect and restore biodiversity across both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Nevertheless, it is clear that it gives rise to many challenges from the perspectives of agriculture, forestry and the marine, not least in the context of the need to ensure food security, support rural and coastal communities and recognise the way in which agricultural production has evolved.
At the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers, I took the opportunity to raise a number of issues which I consider require detailed consideration, including:
Firstly, the need for clear definitions, particularly with regard to the meaning of rewetting. Member States need flexibility to account for specific national circumstances.
Secondly, the need for better data in order to provide more reliable estimates of areas - both land and marine - that are potentially impacted, as well as to facilitate consideration of the proposed timeframe for monitoring and reporting. Against this background, the setting of specific targets beyond 2030 needs to be carefully considered.
Thirdly, forestry targets must take into account the different composition of forests in Member States.
Fourthly, I highlighted my concerns regarding the possible impact of the proposed targets on Ireland’s fishing and aquaculture industries. I stressed that further engagement is needed to ensure that all targets set are appropriate and do not adversely impact the fisheries sector.
Finally, I stressed the need to mobilise all EU funding instruments, as well as private funding, in light of the scope and ambition of the proposal.
Discussions are continuing at the Environment Council.
