Paul Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As regards Teagasc and the Department here at home, I have seen numerous studies Teagasc has been involved in, along with beef factories and individual farmers, with regard to the mat, where a comparison of the animal on concrete, on peat, on straw, on rubber and on concrete without rubber was done. Has EASYFIX had any dealings with Teagasc regarding the slurry aeration system? Has it had any previous contacts with the Department with regard to its efficiencies?

Where I am coming from is based on the figures EASYFIX has given me, especially as a farmer, and on eliminating the diesel, time and agitation, which are all pluses. Being able to put out slurry on the day that suits you, as opposed to the day after the day it has been agitated, has to improve water quality and air quality. Based on all those factors, has EASYFIX had any communication with the Department, or has any work been done with Teagasc on the Department's behalf, to possibly have this system included as a prerequisite in a TAMS-aided shed? The regulations of all grant jobs are changing on an ongoing basis. The Department will always change the grant standard based on safety etc. What are the possibilities? Have the representatives had any communication with the Department regarding making the mats and aeration systems mandatory as part of a TAMS grant-aided job?