Mr. James Healy:

I thank Deputy Deering for his question. We must ensure that the information that is available to farmers, which is plentiful and comes from a multitude of sources, is presented in a way that farmers can digest and understand. A good example in the area of clean water is the asset programme that is currently under way. Under that programme, 190 catchments have been chosen and various State bodies are coming together to consider possible sources of water pollution and are working with farmers on a one-to-one basis. They are advising them and providing them with information but are presenting that information in an understandable fashion. Farmers then have a choice as to whether to use that information. I also referred earlier to our young beef farmers sustainability programme. This is a 15-module programme delivered through Skillnet that has been running for the last two years. Each year we have taken 15 of the best young beef farmers in the country and have tried to broaden their horizons and open their eyes to many of the advancements that are possible within the beef sector, including the genetic merit of herds, soil fertilisation, grass management and other measures that can play a positive role in reducing the carbon footprint of beef. The Irish beef sector is the fifth lowest in Europe in terms of carbon intensity. These two programmes are examples of how we could roll out some of the messages that we need to roll out to farmers.

Generational renewal also plays into this.

Deputy Sherlock referred to a cohort of young farmers who are more willing to take on the available advances in technology and advice. It is about giving those young farmers the opportunity to get onto the first step of the ladder and make the most of this advice and advancements.