Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I apologise as I had to attend to Seanad duties as spokesperson. Unfortunately, I had no choice but to miss part of the meeting. It was not done out of disrespect to our distinguished colleagues.

The debate on commonage is ongoing in the committee. I was particularly impressed with Andy Bleasdale from the National Parks and Wildlife Service who seemed to have a grasp of the problems. He also seemed very keen to ensure that no coercive measures would be introduced and that it would be very much a consultative and co-operative process between the Department and the farmers. As a townie looking out over the mountains around Drumshanbo and Sliabh an Iarainn, I would have thought overgrazing was the main problem, but what came across in his presentation was that under-grazing is as big a problem, if not bigger.

I am curious about the IFA’s position on addressing the issue. As Senator Comiskey said, a variety of shrub has developed due to under-grazing and a problem is emerging across the country, in particular in upland areas. What policies does the IFA have in that regard? What proposals does it believe should be introduced to address the issue, especially given that farmers – as all members have pointed out - are operating on limited incomes?