Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the witnesses for their submissions. It has been a long day, but most informative. I am keen to get the views of agricultural contractors on a scrappage scheme. One theme that has percolated through many, if not all, the submissions is the idea that a scrappage scheme is desirable. Obviously, if that is to materialise, it would have to be done at budget time by the Minister for Finance and it would have cost implications.

Reference was made to bringing equipment up to date. We heard an example of someone who wanted equipment upgraded. He was told he could get new equipment for the price of what it would cost to upgrade the old equipment. I cannot remember exactly what it was. As a result, he ended up bringing back the old equipment as well as the new equipment. That defied the purpose, because if something dangerous is lying around, it can be used.

Dr. Onada's contribution was very interesting and something that we, as a committee, may develop at a later date.