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

That is okay. Those who will be going to 220 kg N/ha are going to be under an awful lot of pressure and do not have time. I imagine there will be supports for those farmers above and beyond what is there for them now because support is going to be needed. As has been mentioned, there are wider implications for other farmers, including beef and suckler farmers, when it comes to competition for land. It is already very expensive to buy or lease land. There is a lot of competition. Forestry is now competing in many areas. We must also consider the impact on young farmers who are starting out and trying to buy farms and land close to home and whatever else. It is important that all of those matters are considered. There are wider implications.

The conversation is now about retaining the 220 kg N/ha, given that it is now, to all intents and purposes, a done deal. We must also bear in mind that there will be new Commissioners with responsibility for agriculture and the environment after the election next year, so what is a challenge now in respect of retaining the 220 kg N/ha may be even more of a challenge then. There is an awful lot more to do to support farmers to improve water quality.

I want to ask two brief questions on the basis of the Minister's opening statement. The water quality working group was established in May and the Minister said it has engaged intensively since then. Will the Minister tell us how many meetings of that group have been held to date? There was also a mention of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Minister said he would ask that Department to engage with the Commission on this issue at some point. Does the Minister know what engagement at any level or communication that Department has had?