Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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My understanding from the engagement we have had with officials in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs is that they share our view on the importance and benefits of it. We have not received any negative indications such that the Deputy said he would be concerned about. They see merit in it. Obviously we cannot preempt what future administrations up there might do. Hopefully Stormont will resume sitting as soon as possible and have an active assembly that we can engage with more on a political level as well. They definitely see that.

I make the point again that there are significant penalties that will focus the minds of the very few farmers the Deputy talks about who might consider trying to breach this. I expect compliance to be positive but for those who do not comply, there are significant consequences.