Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for not being here earlier. Before we wrap up, I have two questions. There was not much discussion since I arrived about the stocking density. Is the stocking density of 1.5 very rigid?

The suckler farmer would be very uneasy or unhappy compared with the dairy farmer who would regard the stocking density as a serious advantage. A stocking density of 1.5 calved cows per hectare will prevent a number of farmers from qualifying. It may eliminate some of the bigger farmers. These are the farmers who may be more progressive and they will feel a little left out in this regard. What is the position on this issue?

What will the position be in the event of the doomsday scenario of a low take-up under the scheme, resulting in a pool of money left over as we move towards the back end of 2018, 2019 or 2020, for example?