Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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With such a short time I will not ask many questions, and many of the initial questions that would have come to mind have already been answered. I thank the Cathaoirleach for organising this meeting. I was aware from a report last year that Matt Dempsey had in the Irish Farmers' Journalof some of the background of the case, but having listened to the testimonies here this evening, it is nothing short of horrifying. If a fraction of what we have been told is proven to be true, then it will be a scandal to match some of the greatest scandals that have ever affected the State. I am very sorry to hear of the trauma, and it cannot be described as anything other than trauma, that Dan and his family have gone through. There is undoubtedly going to be a role for this committee in following up this matter.

Before Mr. Walshe made his comments in respect of the inspection regime within the Department, and notwithstanding that, I was struck by the thought that if there was any suspicion that a farm operation was causing pollution to another business or an adjoining property, that farmer would feel a ton of bricks upon them. Therefore, if there is any question that a farm is being polluted by an external activity, then the same approach should follow.

I will suggest, and I am sure the Chairman will propose it as well, that we seek responses from both the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the EPA in respect of the questions that have been raised. If it is his intention to pursue this matter, then all I can say is he will have my full support.

I thank Dan because it is never easy to come before the committee, give a personal testimony and relive the horrors he has gone through. The financial loss he must have endured as a result of all this is significant, but considering what bearing this would have had on his personal life throughout those years, I am sure the financial aspect would pale in comparison.