Mr. Paul Savage:

The fact the timetable for negotiations has not been achieved with the budget and Brexit emphasises the point I made earlier that there is significant uncertainty around all of these matters. We are navigating complicated waters from several perspectives. The uncertainty around Brexit in particular is causing concern, not least because of its potential impact on the CAP budget.

Unfortunately, we will have to navigate that uncertainty over the next while and try to plan or respond as best we can to developments. We are in a unique situation nowadays in comparison with what would have been the case in the past when we were negotiating reform packages.

On the 2% for young farmers and the inclusion of the grant support, the young farmers scheme comprises 2% of the basic payment ceiling. Currently, it does not include TAMS payments. TAMS payments are not used to calculate that 2% overall. It is effectively driven by the demand for young farmer top-ups. In regard to the breakdown of the figures, I will follow up with the committee in that regard because I do not have them to hand.