Dr. Eimear Cotter:

First, it is around compliance. We know improvements can be made through compliance with good agricultural practice regulations. Mr. Byrne has talked through that. That focus should be there and we would like to see that in the committee's report.

The other point is the impact of the agricultural sector on water quality is not just about derogation farmers. All farmers have a role to play in improving water quality, be that nitrates in risky soils or phosphorous. Looking at the data and the maps the EPA is producing, the targeting of measures to address issues in those areas is critically important for improving water quality. Agriculture is not the only pressure on water quality. On page seven of our opening statement we look at the multipressure environment and seeing where the other pressures are coming from. They will all need to be addressed to improve water quality.