Mr. Bill Callanan:

I refer to what was identified in our opening statement, namely, that the Department is keen to push forward with industry in order that there is clarity of understanding regarding where we need to go. That was the genesis of the Ag Climatise roadmap because farmers need to be told what the actions are and what they should do. We regulate towards certain objectives and we incentivise towards certain objectives, but we also need to capture industry in terms of engagement to ensure that the same messages are coming from industry on the achievement of the objectives. Our general approach has been engaging with industry in order that it is giving the right messages, sustainability bonuses for the right actions and so forth.

The Deputy's specific question on the sectoral responsibility drives that structure that is being put in place by the Minister where the dairy group is looking at the dairy sector with the objective of stabilising in the short term and then reducing. The beef and lamb group has just commenced its work. There is a recognition that everybody must play their part. Similarly, there is a recognition that every sector will have a certain responsibility in achieving the objectives overall. The key performance indicators are identified. Ultimately, the inventory will determine whether we are on track so we will monitor that carefully, whether it is the tonnes of fertiliser that are used or livestock numbers. All those indicators that drive the inventory would be very transparent and available to everybody to judge whether we are on track.