Mr. Jack Nolan:

The Deputy is correct that it is a challenge and that a one size does not fit all. That has been recognised. We have more restrictions on intensive farms than we do on other farms. I do not agree that ever-more severe restrictions are being introduced on every farm in the country. The Minister mentioned that we had a voluntary derogation review in 2019. That was done at the behest of the Government. It was not initiated on behalf of anybody else. That review resulted in the introduction of measures such as compulsory use of low emission equipment on derogation farms, which reduced the level of crude protein that can be fed to dairy cows on intensive farms, compulsory use of grassland measurement and compulsory training for derogation farmers.

We are differentiating all the time. Earlier this year, we asked Teagasc to model some of the proposed measures that will be introduced, possibly next year, and they show that we can meet the targets that the EPA has set. We work very closely with the EPA. Those who were here from the EPA the same night we attended are part of a working group with us on the nitrates expert group. As recently as last week, we were on a farm in Kildare with the EPA, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Teagasc looking at how measures will be implemented on farms. Therefore, there is a coherent and collaborative approach to water quality in Ireland.

I disagree that we will not achieve our targets; I think we will. We need more - the Minister has stressed it. It has been publicly said by farmers for the first time. We need stricter enforcement, particularly by local authorities. We need industry to become involved and help farmers in moving along, and changing, the dial. In New Zealand, they have done studies on where water quality would be if they had not the changes that we have introduced already. We have moved. The Minister is right in saying - he said it in the opening statement - farmers have invested significantly. They will be asked to invest more but it is unfair to brand all farmers or say agriculture is completely responsible. There are a small minority who are causing a lot of harm and over the next number of years they will be targeted more and more. We are using the water quality data from the EPA to target inspections and water quality will improve. We firmly believe, along with the EPA, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Teagasc, that the new CAP and the new regulations, along with support from industry, will contribute to improving water quality in Ireland.