Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yes. There are a few inspectors I would like to see carrying out that inspection regime. We have a significant problem concerning our bee population, while there is a significant landbank. Therefore, the two sectors could dovetail with Coillte to establish beehives. I am not saying that in jest because this major issue needs to be addressed. Coillte could carry the can in that regard and it would improve the overall bee population.

We have not sufficiently examined the economic potential of biodiversity in our forests. It concerns not only the tourism aspect but the medical side as well. Multinational companies travel the world to identify rare botanical species in the Amazon that may be used to create new medicinal products, yet we have them on our doorstep. Those endeavours may be seen as somewhat airy-fairy but they are not because there is much economic advantage to be gained. Sometimes in this country we fail to see the potential available in mundane things that could create new industries.

The Bill provides for more authorised officers. We have a seen a fall-off in funds that are being drawn down through the Department under various agricultural schemes, yet we still have a large number of inspectors. I suggest the special investigations unit should be seconded to the Revenue Commissioners to examine fuel laundering and other cross-Border black market activities.

There is huge potential for savings to the Exchequer of €40 million to €50 million per annum from unidentified black market trading. It would be far more useful to focus this skill set on identifying this type of trading rather than on prosecuting farmers who make over-declarations in relation to agricultural roads going through their farms.

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