Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank our guests for coming in this evening. Reference was made to key strategic actions, one of which is the need for better data and information for better insights into the sector. In that context, the most recent census was compiled nine years ago. Is anything happening that regard? Obviously, it is not good enough to be quoting nine-year old data.

I ask our guests to explain why horticulture is not included under CAP in terms of direct payments. What is the criteria and why is the sector not included?

Ms Niamh Lenehan has been appointed as the agrifood regulator and she should be invited to appear before this committee to address some of the points made by our guests this evening.

The growers said that their European counterparts have access to different products, sprays and so on. What problems does that cause for them? One of the biggest issues of concern is peat. We cannot just change over from peat overnight and that is especially true for the horticulture sector. A just transition is definitely needed in that regard.

Mr. Cullinan also spoke about local government inspections. Does it vary from county to county or is this nationwide? Sometimes local authorities take different approaches to different programmes.