Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. Engagement is one thing but it has to be made clear to the European Commission by the Minister, as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and by the Irish MEPs that farmers need more time and more flexibility. There has to be fairness. In regard to water quality, I notice that the finger is always pointed at farmers. In my constituency I have seen instances where there has been no farming activity and where it has been down to poor sewerage systems and where Irish Water has actually been responsible for some instances. I do not believe it is right to penalise farmers on the water quality issue, which is obviously related to this issue. I believe the Government needs to be fair about this. I am sure the Minister will agree, as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, that farmers are not to blame all of the time and that there is a bigger picture here in terms of water quality. They should not be penalised, therefore. We have to make a case to the European Commission. Our farming is important to our economy and to our local economy and needs to be defended and protected. Farmers cannot be made scapegoats.

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