John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My final question relates to the online publication of the names of recipients of single farm payments, which, effectively, allows everyone to see them. The farming organisations and individual farmers have raised the risks they fear would accrue as a result of the publication of these figures. The Department must take this seriously considering the number of farms that have been subject to criminal attack and have been victims of crime over the past few years, particularly in isolated areas. Does Mr. O'Driscoll have any view about monitoring it on an ongoing basis? It would be useful if the Department said that it was concerned about it and that it is something it needs to keep an eye on. I think it is a fair point. One can make an argument about transparency in Government but when it comes down to the potential consequences for people who live in the country, it is a very serious issue and a question should be asked about it today.