Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

They can do that now, but under the regulations and directive, farmers would be terrified to accept slurry for fear of the repercussions. People can try all they like to claim credit for a limited deferral, but it only puts it off. The IFA and Macra na Feirme were left with no option today but to walk out of partnership talks, so deep was their frustration. The response of the Government, of which all the Deputies opposite are part, was to say that the farmers' actions had been noted. I warn the Minister that the actions of her Government and its appalling handling of the issue have also been noted.

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