Mr. Michael Moloney:

With regard to being out of sync, it is important to point out, as Mr. Caslin has highlighted, that the regulations around the cultivation of hemp are not just strict in Ireland but across the EU and other countries. Where the difference lies is in the THC content. As Mr. Caslin outlined, some countries have a low threshold of 0.2%, 0.3% or 1%. Currently, as I understand it, the threshold here is zero. We will certainly help and give our feedback but the ball is not in our court. We do not own the ball. We are not responsible for the licensing of that product. It is primarily a matter for the Department of Health to consider the restrictions and whether they are justified. We had a consultation process on the regulations in 2018 and it was felt at that time that the current regulations should continue under the auspices of the Department of Health. If there is a viable alternative crop, we are certainly there to offer help and support. We are following the programme for Government, which referred to fibre crops. Hemp is only one of those. Flax and linseed are alternatives and that is what we have concentrated on to fulfil the commitment in the programme for Government. It is not within our remit to change those regulations, but if the crop is viable and we can help, we will consult our Government colleagues. It is not in our hands.