John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I thank the House for facilitating the debate on the Bill and I acknowledge the valuable contributions of Members, particularly Deputies Upton, Naughten and Crawford. I thank the Ceann Comhairle, the staff of the Office of the Attorney General, the Parliamentary Counsel and my officials, who have worked on the Bill for some time. As Deputy Naughten said, it is up to us to encourage farmers to avail of this scheme. I encourage Members to ask farmers to become actively involved in the buy-out on the commencement of the legislation. Any difficulties that may arise will be dealt with in a compassionate manner.

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