Mr. Paul O'Brien:

I am not able to answer the question about the eight-week period but, as I understand it, the fact is that the Commission is still looking towards the end of next year. As a result, Ireland will have two years to enact the policy, which will become law from 2026 or 2027 onwards. This is an ideal opportunity, however, for us to step back and reflect. This may answer the questions from Deputy Healy-Rae and Senator Lombard; it is not too late to do a full impact and financial assessment of how this will look for rural Ireland. The enormity of this cannot be understated. It is an opportunity for us all. I have not heard anybody in this room say anything other than that he or she believes these proposals are enormous and will have such an impact that we should all be able to put a green jersey on and work together as a Dáil and Seanad and as farming organisations to try to lessen the impact at farm level.

Deputy Flaherty asked where people would go if they left rural Ireland. We must consider the enormity of this. We are all trying to encourage another generation of farmers to come into and continue the business. However, if farmers do not believe there will be a future for them to do so, the options at that stage are to go to the big towns and cities and rural Ireland will decline as a result.