Susan O'Keeffe (Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Minister stated that he was looking to the future. He is probably trying to determine how to go about this. Perhaps the net should be thrown wider to include people who might not normally be consulted by his Department or associated with its work. Could the environmental pillar groups be included so that they might share their concerns about climate change, how fertiliser is used and so on? Would the EU Solidarity Fund be of any benefit?

Farmers are grateful for the acceleration in payments under the agri-environment options scheme and REPS 4. We are constantly asked about people’s payments. Some remain outstanding. Can the process be streamlined? It seems there is always a backlog.