Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses and I apologise on behalf of all of us, but the votes take precedence when they happen and we have to attend. I grew up with wildlife such as birds, bees and butterflies. It was all part of nature and our bringing up and the love for wildlife was number one in my home. However, that was always done with co-operation and people used to ask to come on the land. They loved to view some of the animals and we loved to be with them when they were doing so. Things have changed, unfortunately, and there is more of a dictation setting and finger pointing at farmers that they are anti-wildlife and anti-this and anti-that. A rogue trader will probably be found in every business. I have been looking into BirdWatch Ireland and its representatives might explain who funds the organisation.