Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The great majority of affected farmers are family farmers working on poorer land, and many have grazing on commonages. They are the custodians of that land and keep it in as good a condition as possible agriculturally and environmentally.

Let me refer to the duplication of nitrates inspections by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. It is very unfair that two Departments are carrying out overly officious nitrates inspections.

Recently I saw some receipts concerning penalties that were issued without explanation to farmers, particularly young farmers on very modest incomes. They concern financial discipline and modulation. I have tried to receive an explanation and would like the Minister to expand on this. The farmers affected are not even getting a letter, just a receipt. There are very substantial cuts.

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