Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein)
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I thank Ms Meaney, Mr. Blake and Mr. Cahill for coming here today. Most of the questions have been asked. We know the importance of the prediction of animals during transport. I understand as well that these are only proposals. I presume it will be a long haul to get the whole lot through. I presume it will not even be this year.

I welcome the five-year period for the transport to be converted to whatever is required. At the end of the day, however, when we look at most of the proposals that have been gone through, basically, there is a cost in every article. Who bears that cost? There are some serious costs in it. Even when we are talking about temperatures, diesel, where to heat the animals and so forth, those are serious costs.

It has probably not been done yet but was there a financial impact statement? That is what we have to be looking for on the exact costs. Because of where Ireland is placed geographically, we should not have any qualms about asking for a special or favourable position. It is required for our geographical position. We are an island. We should have certain amounts of, if you like, derogations or whatever.

The other issue is the derogation being removed for the 100 km distance straight away. That has to be an issue along with shortening the journeys to less than eight hours. There are a huge amount of costs built into this. That has to be worked out. In fairness to them, the witnesses stated the proposals required greater clarity. However, they also stated that, in the proposals, there is a greater impact on some states. I presume they are talking about Ireland. We can read between the lines here. What impact do they as professionals see this having on the Irish industry going forward?