Noel O'Donovan (Fine Gael)

We are having an important debate. As many of my colleagues know, I come from a rural constituency in west Cork. As we are having this debate, I think of the current farmers, the farmers from the older generation who are leaving the sector, and those in their 20s and 30s thinking about pursuing a career in farming. All of us are here because we want to see emissions reduced and to protect our climate. The messaging and communication from this room are important as well, and we should acknowledge the work being done by the farming community. We have seen reductions in emissions in the last number of years and we need to see more. It is very important that this committee convey a strong message because it is only by bringing the members of the farming community with us that we will achieve emission reductions.

I somewhat agree with Deputy Whitmore about preparing a plan B for derogation. I am on the record as supporting derogation because we need it. Derogation farms are some of the best performing farms in terms of water quality and reducing emissions. It is not always pointed out that derogation farmers are the best at protecting our environment. Perhaps we need to consider preparing a plan B if Europe does not give us a derogation. I would welcome a comment from the witnesses on that.

I ask the Chair for his indulgence. Not to focus too much on derogation, but will the departmental officials outline the timelines for the catchment work?

I reiterate that the farming community works continuously to reduce emissions. That must be acknowledged. I ask the Department to comment on that and the committee to acknowledge the work being done by the farming community. What is the ask in the years ahead and the derogation?

Second-----