James Bannon (Fine Gael)

The Minister is playing funny tactics. Farmers across the country demand that this be resolved in a logical and scientific way as a matter of urgency. It is important to remember that this Government is trying to introduce by the back door a draconian new licensing system for farms and farmers. This is a diversion from the Government's promise following decoupling that it would give farmers freedom to farm. That will not happen under this legislation. The Minister should waste no time in getting himself out of the mess he is in but should act before it is too late. He should defer the introduction of his draconian legislation by bringing in amended legislation as a matter of urgency. Farmers and rural people are angry.