Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

On the wider issue and the need for an agency, our Bill on this was debated in November 2020 and at that time the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donovan, asked for nine months to prepare Government legislation, which was fine but three years have elapsed. In his latest reply to me he said that he awaits legislative options. I definitely think that is something this committee should pursue because, in the first instance, yes, this is emergency funding for farmers but just as important is the long-term solution, which is an agency because we need somebody to be accountable. At the moment the buck is being passed from one to another, which is not good enough so an agency is needed.

We also need maintenance of the Shannon because, like anything, it needs to be maintained and looked after and that is clearly an issue as well. As the witnesses have said, they welcome the scheme, as do I and everyone else here but now is the time to seek tweaks to the scheme. That is why it is so important the witnesses are in here the day after the scheme was announced so that we can go back and say what needs to be changed on it. Does Mr. Broderick want to put anything else on the record as regards the scheme at this point? I acknowledge it was only announced yesterday and he does not have all the information but I want to give him that opportunity.

Lastly, it is important to reference the mental strain of all of this on everyone who has been affected. It is important to acknowledge that because it is extremely difficult for the witnesses and their families. It was heartbreaking to hear the story shared by Mr. Ryan about his son who should not have a care in the world but who is worried about the situation at home. This is like any situation in which families are affected but that puts the onus back on to the committee to do everything it can to make sure the scheme is done right and that we get that agency because it can be put in place very quickly. The legislation is there, it is prepared, let it go to committee, have engagement with stakeholders, tweak it if it needs to be tweaked, but that agency needs to be up and running. We will then see a chink of light as regards the Shannon in the future. Do the witnesses want to add anything else?