Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In fairness we accept that but, unfortunately, much as we would like to, we cannot control the media. The IFA probably has the same issues we have. I take it on board. The media are very much Dublin-centred and it is a big issue for farmers.

The reality is that the water quality did not improve, so we are where we are. I take it on board, and I have say this every time the EPA comes into us at the housing committee. I tell it that it is not entirely a farm issue and that there are other factors. The witnesses have given examples to us here that industry, sewage treatment and all of these play an important part. With regard to going with a united front on this derogation, we really need to say what the key ask is that farmers have and that they want to effect. Slurry is obviously one, and in the limited time that I have left, what would the witnesses say are the others?