Mr. Pat McCormack:

The critical point is that while a learning period can be beneficial, we need to have a scheme that is compatible with all sorts of farming and agricultural activity in the country.

On the strategic plan, we have been deeply involved with the CAP consultative committee, where a lot of work has been done on trying to shape what could potentially be compatible with Irish agriculture. Equally, we need to see the ink dry at European Union level. We also need to see a commitment at national level and co-funding decided in order to take the creases out of the national strategic plan going forward. We need to have the maximum level of national discretion as we move forward. It is imperative that we have the maximum amount of co-funding.