Seán Connick (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

It is a very big extension. Inspections are currently being carried out, not just by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food but also by the local authorities. We have examined the situation. There is now a combination of co-operation between the local authorities and the Department on the level of inspections. It is an area which is currently being examined. The Minister, Deputy Smith, will probably examine it at some stage in the future. We are acutely aware of the level of inspection and the difficulties which farmers now have in dealing with the number of inspectors which are arriving on their farms. I will take the Deputy's comments on board and the Minister, Deputy Smite, might revert to him regarding same.

I am aware, as I come from an agricultural constituency, that the issue of farming by calendar is one which is of concern to farmers. However, we have rules and regulations in place. We must comply with the European Union regulations. I lobbied the Minister on these matters until I was appointed a Minister of State. As I said, there are regulations with which we must comply and, in that instance, we have done so to date.

See this speech in context