Ms Gillian Richardson:

To follow on from what Mr. Keane mentioned, we asked that all of these eco-schemes be inclusive and accessible for all farmers, that they are progressive and are complementary to what we already have. We proposed that the integrated hedgerow management eco-scheme should be included in it. The majority of farms have hedgerows on them and we would like farmers to improve them, maintain them and increase their number and length. That would be of benefit to both the farmers themselves and to the eco-schemes within that. Along with that, we also sought increased days at pasture. This is something the EU itself has outlined, namely, that Ireland has a high level of days at pasture and this is something that should be encouraged and rewarded.

The other one that we were looking at is reduced age at first calving, that is, making sure that the heifers are calving down at a suitable age that is suitable to their weight and age and getting the best out of the animal and for the farmers themselves. That is what we would be proposing.