Paul Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the officials. I did not get involved in the earlier conversation. I gave priority to people who are from counties affected by this. I am from an area where this is not a major issue. I sat back, listened and learned. I was shocked to hear some of the stories and at the realisation of how big a problem this is with the farmers effected. I was almost equally as shocked at the presentation of what is being offered as part-compensation for this. It is a three-tier payment and it is money, as far as I can read, that a person has to spend to get it.

I would like to know more from the Department about the matrix of inspection or what inspection process will be gone through or how the results-based marking will work. We have had meetings here, almost as long as this one, on inspections in other areas. I would like more detail from the Department as to how these inspections are going to be performed and what matrix will be used to grade the farmer.

On the supporting actions payment, which is for actions taken, again money has to be spent to get the money. I know the whole scheme is probably designated a lot more toward the hen harrier than the farmer, there is probably a necessity for the hen harrier payment. However, that is hit and miss. A person can spend the money and pass the test, be unfortunate enough for the hen harrier to be in the neighbour's field and then get nothing at all.

I am almost as shocked at the description of the scheme as I was at the hardship cases I heard earlier.