Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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I thank the four delegates for their presentations. The principle of intent would be shared by most people, but the questions of implementation and unforeseen consequences must be examined closely. The big concern of farming bodies is unannounced compulsory farm inspections. That is causing a lot of problems. Is this written in stone?

Another issue of concern is the standards applied to imports into the European Union, as distinct from what is produced within the Union. Will the same standards apply across the board and will they be enforced? There is also a worry about the consequences of the new regulations in terms of costs. How will the regulations affect producers, in particular? Is there any compensation mechanism to help them to overcome additional costs incurred?

If inspections allow for replacement animals or slaughter, will the compensation payments be based on the full market value? If crops and plants are destroyed during the course of an inspection, for example, will compensation be paid? The delegates said the Government had argued for flexibility. Can I take it that such flexibility relates to implementation? What degree of flexibility is the Government seeking?