Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Following on from the Leitrim example, the reason the county is on the red map is because of the four water quality criteria that were set out 18 months ago. Was that not the mistake that was made? The criteria that were set out 18 months ago ensured that places like Leitrim, which had very low stocking rates, could not pass. When it comes to the next derogation and the debate around it, we need to ensure that the criteria are workable. Leitrim is a prime example. One derogation farmer with less than 3,000 cows is in the red. We know the criteria are not about stocking; they are about water quality at a different level. Stocking is related but the example of Leitrim proves that it is not the main indicator. Is Leitrim where it is at the moment because of the four criteria set out 18 months ago?