Mr. Francie Gorman:

The feedback I have been getting is that it is difficult. They say it is difficult to convince our fellow members of the European Union to give us the derogation. The same was the case about the review when the Commission came over here in September. The job is to get the other governments in Europe on side because they do not have an interest in it. That is a job for the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, our Commissioner and our Government. It is a job for the industry, farmers as well. I made the point earlier that we are all at one here. I 100% get that. Mr. Drennan and I appreciate we have the support of the committee on this. Teagasc needs to be involved, as does the processing industry. We need to sit down with the EPA too and see exactly what it is telling us we have to do to get delivery of this. When we look at water, what is stable water? What constitutes good water quality compared to poor water quality? If you go from poor to moderate or drop from very good down to good, what effect does that have on getting the derogation re-approved? The EPA needs to be on the pitch and outline to us exactly what we need to do or what it feels unhappy with. I am absolutely convinced that if we come with a plan and show how our measures are improving water quality or stabilising it and if the Government backs it, then I believe it will be delivered. I cannot see a situation where if the Taoiseach and Tánaiste go to the Commission and make a sufficiently strong case that we need to hold on to our derogation and its vital national importance, that it will not be delivered. Tourism and farming are the two indigenous industries in this country. We do not have a heavy industry to rely on. It is crucial for rural communities across the country to hold on to this. But we need to put our best foot forward as farmers, processors and politicians. We need to sing from the one hymn sheet, put the plan together and go with it.