Paul Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

How are we going to square this circle if this crop has potential from an agricultural perspective? I am not trying to be flippant or smart but I can tell the witnesses the results of the consultation process they are carrying out at the moment and the contents of the report they are to send to the Minister because there will be no buy-in. I will again use that analogy and say that I cannot see any farmer buying in to grow barley for straw or to grow hemp for fibre. If it is to be a feasible and viable crop that yields a return, he or she is going to have to be able to sell, process and utilise the entire crop to maximise his or her income. As long as it falls under the misuse of drugs regulations, the Department will not be able to influence or change matters in that regard. How are we going to square that circle to make this crop a feasible and viable possibility for farmers?