Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank both groups for their presentations and apologise for having to step out of the meeting to attend another one. Like other members, I support the proposal for the working group. That seems to be the way forward. It is clear from the presentation from the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association that there is a problem with inspections and how they are carried out and how they are interpreted. The working group with its proper guidance manual so that everybody is clear on what is involved appears to be a very sensible way to move forward. In west Donegal, because of the lack of species diversity and the grassland, farmers cannot achieve the maximum from GLAS. I understand that issue could possibly be dealt with by an amendment to the scheme at a later stage. Has Mr. Joyce any views on that issue?

In respect of the ICSFA, in his presentation, Mr. Patrick Kent mentioned the delegated regulation, does the Department have to decide to use that or can it be availed of by farmers? Perhaps he would expand on that?