Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Joyce referred to the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Has he had meetings with that body and has it come out to say it will back the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers' Association in the problems arising? I hope Mr. Joyce has more luck than I had. Nine or ten months ago I brought a delegation of farmers from Sligo on an issue to do with fencing and planning permission. My understanding is that citizens are supposed to be treated in an equal fashion, but it was costing farmers €4,000 or €5,000 to do what they had to do. I have asked the National Parks and Wildlife Service if it has a fund for looking after a farmer if he or she is being shafted by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Those involved shrugged their shoulders and said "No." It is good at bringing in the legislation that causes this problem, yet at the same time it will not help a farmer in any way. Has Mr. Joyce gone to anybody in the National Parks and Wildlife Service to ask them to get involved? The NPWS gave me assurances yesterday that it would go to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, but have those involved given the witness any assurance that they will go with the farmers and give them literature to back up what they have done, which was the cause of this problem, or have they run into the hills to try to hide?