Dr. Eimear Cotter:

We need as many young farmers in the agriculture sector and in farming as we can get. With regard to adopting good practices, I know there are good examples right around the country and we have all heard of them. We do not target any one particular sector. The EPA is an independent organisation and we are looking at our data on a completely independent scientific basis. We have talked extensively about our analysis and the impact farming has had. We are also the environmental regulator for Uisce Éireann. We have taken prosecutions against Uisce Éireann where warranted - 28 in total - and we are auditing and reviewing Uisce Éireann’s planned wastewater treatment plants on a regular basis all year round. We also have an enhanced role that was given to us under the nitrates action programme in terms of developing a national agricultural inspections programme to direct local authorities with regard to their farm inspections. This involves providing guidance and support, and ensuring that the focus on enforcement is there as well.

We need farmers as part of the solution. We need farmers to be engaged in this. They need to be supported in terms of guidance and incentives, and for those who do not comply, enforcement also has a role. We do not work in terms of targeting any particular sector. We are driven very much by what we see in the environment.