Mr. John Keane:

I am conscious of time. I touched on the CAP strategic plan earlier, but overall there is disappointment in the lack of ambition and support for young farmers under the draft plan we have seen. I mentioned this and Mr. Duggan mentioned it in the context of land mobility and other services not being included. It is hugely disappointing, having been engaged in the process over many years.

To directly answer the question on eco-schemes, Macra na Feirme believes that maximum flexibility is certainly required. Any scheme must be inclusive and accessible to all. If we are looking at our contribution and requirements under climate change and the delivery of targets that will be outlined in other forums, it is crucial to ensure the scheme is accessible and inclusive of all 120,000 plus farmers. The penalties of excluding people from it would be financial but would also have bigger ramifications on our commitments in other forums. The schemes must be progressive and they must be complementary. In times past, we have seen legislation and schemes that have not necessarily complemented what is being done by individual farmers on the ground. Those are the key objectives we have for the delivery of effective and equal schemes, and to deliver the best results for farmers and for the ambition of the CAP.