Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join my colleague, Senator Denis O'Donovan, in raising the issue of farm payments. I received a large number of telephone calls at the weekend from farmers who are facing a deduction in their entitlements, ranging from €500 to €1,600 or €1,700. This is happening because of the upgraded camera system which is very sensitive and picks up everything. Many of the pictures are taken during the summertime when the foliage is out on the trees and cattle and sheep can graze under them. This is leading to significant problems and it is important that we have a debate on the issue early in the new year.

I welcome the news that a proposal to upgrade the dangerous stretch of road on the N4 from Sligo to Dublin, to which we have referred so often in this House, has been submitted to An Bord Pleanála. I am sure Sligo County Council has all its plans in place and is ready to proceed to the compulsory purchase order process. It is vital that funding is put in place to have this stretch of road, on which one passes 29 or 30 roadside crosses, upgraded as soon as possible. There has been far too much loss of life there over the years.