Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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With regard to SEEFA, any time a new organisation, be it in forestry or agriculture, is set up the Minister cannot, overnight, treat it the same as all of the established organisations that have a track record. Otherwise, one would be incentivising splintering in the representative system. That was the approach taken in respect of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association, INHFA, a number of years ago and the beef plan organisations that were looking to be recognised in the agriculture sector. SEEFA was launched in the past year. I understand almost all of its members are involved in other existing memberships. We have existing relationships, for example, with the Irish Farmers Association, the Irish Timber Growers Association, and Forest Industries Ireland, as well as with individual companies. I have met with many SEEFA members individually. I have reflected on this. If they continue to show form and establish themselves strongly, I am open to that.