Mr. Eamonn O'Reilly:

I will try to wrap up. We are partnership companies as well. As well as a bottom-up approach, much of our work is with many of the agencies. We can bring that expertise, be it with Teagasc or the enterprise boards, to it, for example, with small farmers. My board, NEWKD, has joined Teagasc and the ETBs have talked about digital access for farmers. This is a localised version of what Ms Earley has been rolling out. A partnership approach is important as well.

We were asked about municipal districts and the autonomy of decision-making. It is not for us to say how local authorities should operate but the more local the decision, the more empowered the community. That goes back to Mr. Finn's point as well.

We were asked about a tax credit for hard-hit areas. VAT was reduced for the tourism sector. Changes to VAT or tax credits may be something that should be explored for the western seaboard and rural areas. We do not have a fix on that but it would be a positive development.

Regarding biodiversity, Mr. Finn stated that some farmers generate up to 40% of their income from solar energy in Germany. That goes back to retaining young people, with newer technology and newer ways of gaining income, on the land.

We would say "Yes" to the Minister and the Department asking us about taking on other programmes. They are keen that we do that and we are keen to do so. We cover the entire country. We are positive. We have a good relationship with the Minister and the Department in exploring those ideas. There are nine areas in the CAP and we do not want to be pigeonholed into any one of them because we feel we have a role in the environment and sustainability farming.

Matched funding was asked about earlier. We have rules on the community side and the private sector makes up 50%. There has to be a sense of viability and fair play regarding the private sector. On community funding, other funds such as the Clann Credo or Community Finance Ireland provide loans and they are very much on the ground. The credit unions are also an option and, locally, some of our bodies explore it. If we have gone through a business plan with an individual, the credit unions will take it that we have gone through it. They are aware of the professionalism and experience of our staff, and they will take that as a way of easing the process. Credit unions are giving out unsecured loans to farmers for up to €50,000 now. They operate on a local basis as well.

We are happy to progress with any of the matters discussed here today and feed back into them for the future. We are delighted to be able to have such a robust and interesting discussion.