Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

I understand that the Department introduced a protocol to ensure that sheep would not be inspected during lambing season. I want to ensure this protocol is followed.

The 1% rate of inspections for cross-compliance is difficult to understand, given the fact that some people have been inspected for the rural environment protection scheme, REPS, the single farm payment and so on almost every year for the past 14 or 15 years. When they question the inspectors, they are told that a computer threw out their names. One wonders whether that computer is stuck on a number and whether a farmer would be better advised to seek a new herd number. It is difficult to tell farmers and farming groups about the 1% rate when they can show evidence to the contrary.

If the Department has a protocol on not inspecting sheep during lambing season, I appeal to the Minister of State to adhere to it strictly.

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