Ms Nora Fagan:

I thank Deputies Cowen, Walsh and Stanley for their questions, which all touched on the same issue. What Deputy Cowen said is correct. We must ask how these contracts and leases can be enforceable when the representations made to farmers on their doorsteps were so grossly different. Most of the farmers who have signed up to these are under economic strain. I have given them my personal opinion on what they have signed and they have all said, "We often worry about having enough diesel to put in our jeeps; how can we take on big multinationals?" There is a feeling of powerlessness among many of the farmers who have signed this. Unfortunately, there is also a certain amount of arrogance among these particular wind farm companies.

They have bandied about the fact that they have Government support and the support of Deputy Rabbitte. They are also advising farmers that they have a current application pending with An Bord Pleanála that their developments should be considered as part of the national infrastructure. I have checked that and it is correct. There is a current application pending for more than 40 wind farm developments. Many of the farmers are small farmers and they feel hopeless in the situation. I very much welcome Deputy Walsh's question on lobby groups such as the IFA. The IFA is becoming aware of the problem but it must become more proactive. I am not sure that I have answered all of the questions.