Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

On 1 January, farmers who will be dropping to 220 kg N/ha will face a choice between reducing their herds or scrambling to buy or lease land at enormous cost. In many cases, buying or leasing land will be absolutely impossible. Is there any wiggle room in respect of additional time? The Minister has talked about allowing farmers time to prepare, which is important. By the end of this month, we will know which areas are affected. Farmers will have three months to reduce their herds or to buy or lease land. The opportunity to buy or lease land is not there in many cases or, where it is, it would come at enormous cost. Does the Minister believe there will be wiggle room on 1 January?