Mr. Kevin Smyth:

We will split the answers between us. I will discuss certain themes that emerged in the questions asked by members of the committee. Deputy Eamon Ó Cuív mentioned the concept of dialogue, which is important here. We need to ensure we have proper dialogue. This is not a one-stage process. There are a number of stages. Part of the process is listening to the committee and getting the views of stakeholders. Equally, the other step is to talk to the people who farm the commonages.

Much of the work has been done on commonages. We have statistics on the majority of commonages, which means we have a basis for a dialogue with the farmers. Some of the figures are considered to be contentious, which is why we must talk to people to see what the most appropriate approach is. Members saw the maps we brought. We have the land parcel identification system, LPIS, and have carried out a major review of commonages over time. We are a long way down that particular road.

The issue with regard to ownership and dormancy cannot be avoided. We have a situation in which, in theory, we might have legal agreements between nine people only two of whom are actively farming. The key is to ensure that active farmers are in a position to take over a commonage and run it in a way that brings it in line with GAEC. That is the key. I cannot ignore the issue of ownership and dormancy generally, however.

Another theme that emerged was the prospect of a new CAP. It appears the committee feels there should be consideration of some form of payment linked to commonages.