Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)

What is the position regarding the introduction of 14-day notices to farmers regarding inspections? As the Minister is aware, the vast majority of problems that have arisen in respect of cross-compliance inspections relate to the paperwork involved, identification, lost tags etc. The latter will not have any real impact in the context of 14-day notices. Will the Minister ensure the introduction of such notices comes to pass?

The Minister is planning to establish the farm advisory system through private consultancies and Teagasc. As she is aware, this system will not cover all farmers, particularly those who are restricted under the regulations relating to cross-compliance. Why is it that farmers are only now obtaining further briefings in respect of this matter? Should such briefings have been provided at an earlier stage? Is it not the case that the new system was supposed to have been up and running from 1 January 2007? Is it not hypocritical of the Minister to be anxious to implement rules and regulations that directly impact on farmers while dragging her heels in respect of providing then with information?

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