39. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will provide dedicated funding to farmers to implement the Nature Restoration Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52033/26]

The EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL) entered into force on 18 August 2024. It sets out a framework for EU Member States to restore nature, with binding targets for the restoration of a wide range of ecosystems including forests and agricultural areas, as well as protected habitats and species.

Ireland has until the 1st of September 2026 to submit a draft National Restoration Plan (NRP) to the EU Commission, setting out how we intend to achieve these legally binding targets. This process is being led by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. In early 2027, the EU Commission will submit formal feedback on the draft NRP, and the plan will be revised based on this feedback. In September 2027, the final NRP will be submitted to the EU Commission.

Estimating the costs involved in implementing the Plan is part of the process.

Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan represents the largest investment ever made in environmental action through agricultural policy, supporting farmers to deliver meaningful biodiversity outcomes while continuing to farm sustainably.

I have, however, consistently made the point that the CAP alone cannot fund delivery of the NRP. The Independent Advisory Committee on Ireland's NRP also recognised this, recommending that CAP funding should remain secure and sufficient, while highlighting that additional funding will be required for measures beyond those currently supported. My Department continues to advocate strongly that any additional obligations arising under the NRP must be accompanied by appropriate additional financial resources and cannot be met from existing agricultural funding alone.

My priority remains clear that restoration measures affecting farmers, foresters, fishermen, fisherwomen, aquaculture operators and other landowners must be voluntary, properly incentivised and supported by adequate, sustainable funding, while safeguarding sustainable food production, farm viability and vibrant rural communities.