Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Bell and Mr. Aston and thank them for their presentation. Many questions have already been put. I am struck by the statement, which we know to be the case, that there is dissatisfaction among Northern Irish farmers with the CAP. Malcontent with the CAP is no news down here either. Overregulation was cited by Senator Daly and there is also a perceived unfair distribution of the funds. There is always a running battle about how the pie should be divided up and who is more worthy. In reality, is this a significant factor in the decision of those who wanted to leave? How do the witnesses envisage conducting their farming differently if they are not subject to the CAP? What difference will it make in how they do their business? I am speaking about what people are trying to get away from by removing themselves from the European Union. It follows from Senator Daly's question. How will it tally with farmers doing business with the European Union and the standards to which they will need to adhere?

Is it not a fact that many of the ills of farming can be more attributed to international factors, such as the commodity prices of milk and beef and the price of inputs, such as fertiliser and fuel, which we know are volatile? Is this reality? We are where we are, in that the vote has happened, but I am interested because it is a recurring theme here. We are looking at it with regard to areas of natural constraint and the distribution of funds. Do the witnesses have concerns about the possible importation, or the liberalisation of the importation, of meat and other foodstuffs from South America? What assurances have they received? What feedback have they received from the British Government on this? What are the witnesses asking? Are they stating this will not be acceptable or will they state they will lower their regulatory standards? How do they see this panning out? Where will they be on this?