Mr. Brendan Joyce:

On Deputy Fitzmaurice's point about meeting with the NPWS, we have had informal discussions with the NPWS. There is no doubt there seems to be, within the NPWS, many questions about what is going on at the minute. We have requested a formal meeting with the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, on this issue, which we anticipate happening soon. It absolutely needs to happen immediately as far as we are concerned. The key point about the NPWS is that it was the body charged with the designations of our land. In my own case I have SAC, I have a pending SPA and I am in the NHA. I have all possible designations on my ground and I farm accordingly. The NPWS has no choice but to get involved in the process. I will reiterate, and hope that it will go forward from this committee as a proposal, that we have no choice but to put in place a working group. If that has to be expedited in the short term, then do it. There seems to be support here today from all farming organisations, from the planners' groups and, in fairness, cross-party support that this happens quickly. This is the one single request we need to deal with as it is going to be a massive issue going forward for farmers. I ask the Chairman to put that point forward. I thank the committee for allowing us to make the case. Gabhaim mo bhuíochas leis an gcoiste.