Mr. Bill Callanan:

The economic assessment, which we have published, and which was specifically done for us by Teagasc identifies the number of dairy cows that would technically have to reduce if everybody in dairy farming was compliant with the 170 kg N/ha level. That number has been modelled. However, the economic assessment is clear that is the least palatable option for a farmer. It is more attractive to procure additional land, which has an impact. That is the big policy challenge for derogation. Land area is limited. The reality of the economic strength of dairy is that it could impact on other sectors like tillage. When you are looking for land for organics, forestry or HNV farming, you have to counter the challenge of effectively having to displace that dairy herd over a larger area, if it does not reduce.