Dr. Elaine McGoff:

No, not necessarily. If we look at the water quality trends or the stance of the Commission - and I was in that meeting last November with the Commissioner - it very clear they are not willing to give us any wriggle room. Given the massive financial and social implications if we lose this derogation, it would be reckless of the Government not to start to put a plan in place in case this happens. What happens when Ireland is looking for another derogation in 2026? If the Commission says "No", we will have a whole other cohort of farmers who will be facing what farmers this year faced when they went from 250 kg to 220 kg N/ha per year. Maybe I am wrong but from my perspective it looked like a rather chaotic and not very well planned transition with no effective communication. All I am saying is that whether it comes to pass or not let us have a plan in place. That is just good planning.