James Bannon (Fine Gael)

There are lessons in our conduct of which other parties should take note.

I call for a debate on the role of Teagasc. We must restore confidence in the independence of the advisory organisation. Teagasc agreed with the scientific recommendations that higher levels of up to 250 gallons of nitrates per hectare could be used but it was muzzled by the Minister for Agriculture and Food. It is important that he comes into the House to debate this. Many farmers now question the authority of Teagasc and its relationship with the Minister because it now appears that the agency is taking political considerations into account.

The Minister must also be questioned on the confusing letters his Department sent out to many farmers last week on extensification. The Minister has admitted an error in this but if the unfortunate farmer errs, his livelihood is threatened and, in some cases, removed. I know many farmers in the midlands who have lost their extensification and other head payments because of a simple error. It is time for the Minister to apologise to the farmers for erring in this case.