Dr. Tadhg O'Mahony:

It is an interesting question. It has been stated previously at the committee that this needs to be thought about strategically. We have had reforms to CAP. We need to think about how we can go further with that. As the system is set up in a certain way and driving us in a certain direction, it is very difficult for farmers to get out of this. That is where this becomes difficult. It should not be about blame but, rather, how we empower a positive change. We need to think about the concepts that are informing policy. Sustainability, well-being and equity should be at the top of the list. That includes prioritising nature for its existence value and not just for the value of the services it provides to humans. From that, we start to establish a set of priorities in how we construct, implement and incentivise policies. That is more of a root-and-branch approach. Recognising this is a crisis, that is what we need to consider. It goes back to the previous conversation in terms of how there can be a focus on some of the short-term measures to which I referred. The Swiss model moved from funding production to funding the public good of ecosystem. That can be done relatively quickly. It involves a significant policy change but it can be done relatively quickly in terms of design. Introduction would be the next challenge. Recommendations No. 21 of the report refers to a strategic approach. We do not have a strategic approach that identifies our key priorities, namely, sustainability, well-being and equity, including farmers' livelihoods, rural households and rural development. We do not have that but we need it, and quickly. We can also focus on some of the short-term changes that would start to get us some wins.