Mr. John Enright:

It is important to point out that we must consider where farmers are now compared to this time last year. Teagasc has indicated there will be a 30% cut in income this year and we think that might be a conservative figure. Given the terrible weather farmers have experienced since before May, increased costs in the system will be evident until next May. The first six months of next year will be very expensive for farmers because of increased costs in the system. We are seeing on a daily basis in the office evidence of increased pressure on farmers, as people are contacting us about financial issues. We strongly feel that these schemes must be maintained in 2013 as farmers are feeling major financial pressures.