Dr. Frank O'Mara:

I have a few reflections on this interesting session. There have been good questions that have drawn out many important issues. The closing reflections I would like to make think back to when we started on implementation of the water framework directive. It is 12 years since the catchments programme was set up. We have learned a lot. We are in a very different position with regard to our knowledge of water quality, the impact that agriculture can have on it and how we can address that impact. We have learned much in that time. The country is in a much better position with regard to its ability to monitor water quality and to report on it. We have time series data about water now. That is all great.

We have much better modelling capability relating to this issue. We have new programmes in place, such as the asset programme, which has only been in place for three or four years. It will not deliver a transformation overnight but it has shown ability to engage at the right level with farmers. The catchment programme is continuing. We have a new programme that we started, the Signpost programme, which mainly relates to climate change, but also tries to take an integrated view of environmental and economic sustainability. It looks at how farmers can transform their business and address all important environmental aspects. Our advisers have tools that they did not have ten or 12 years ago. Their knowledge in the area is chalk and cheese. Great strides have been made in building capacity and putting in place the needed resources and infrastructure.

We do not have any farmers here today. We are a research and advisory body, not practising farmers, or, at least, that is not our function here today. Trying to represent their voice, they are engaged with this issue. As Mr. Burgess said, dairy farmers, who probably farm at the highest level of intensity, recognise that they have to address this issue.

We see that with intensive farmers and with the huge growth in things such as the European innovation programme and farmers wanting to address issues such as this. All those things are in place now. That is not to minimise the challenge or look at it through rose-tinted glasses. We are in a much stronger position now. Hopefully, we are seeing some of the green shoots of progress that were mentioned in the priority areas of action. By nature, I am an optimist. I want to finish on that note. This is a challenge that the country and the agri-sector can and will rise to.