Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not pretend to be an expert in this matter and I defer to Deputy Michael Moynihan’s knowledge in this area. I give him my word that I will raise this matter with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine who cannot unfortunately be here this evening. It is true to say the weather this year has been atrocious, circumstances which have made it ten times more difficult for farming than in an average year. I know that from my knowledge of the flooding issue with which we are dealing in my Department.

It would seem from the reply, however, that the drawdown for the scheme is predicated on a very strict inspection regime. The Deputy is seeking flexibility in this regard. I will ask the Minister to revert to him on that matter, given the difficulties farmers face and the necessity for a flexible approach in the matter.

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