Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentations. I am not involved in farming myself but my father was born on a farm and my cousin still runs a farm. I would have spent a lot of time on the farm and understand the complexities of farming. I also understand how hard it is for farmers, particularly those with small holdings. I can only imagine the anxiety and stress that they are under at the moment. I was talking to my cousin at the weekend. He lives in the North. He talked a lot about his concerns and is actually thinking of retiring.

The presentation was fantastic. It was very clear and will be very useful in the context of the preparation of our report. Reference was made in the presentation to the fact that the pollution of waterways north of the Border could have a detrimental impact further downstream for Irish farmers. I ask the witnesses to elaborate on that point. While bearing in mind that Macra na Feirme is a non-political organisation, do the representatives believe that a united Ireland would be beneficial for the farming sector? I ask them to be really honest and to answer from the position of concern for the people that they represent.