Dr. Kevin Smyth:

The system is never going to be simple. It was not designed to be simple. It is a complex system to reflect the different types of land that exist. However, the system is being made simpler from today. Basically, we are talking about changes in favour of the farmers. It will now be a question of whether the land is eligible or ineligible and if it is ineligible, the degree to which it is ineligible. Simpler rules will come into effect from today. An Irish solution is being used to deal with this. We are looking at the characteristics of Irish farming. This has to be a good thing.

Deputy Ó Cuív asked about agricultural activity. We are not prescribing agricultural activity. We are not telling farmers how to achieve the characteristics - that is up to them. We are saying what the land should look like. It is up to the farmer to achieve it by whatever means he considers appropriate.