Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I too join in thanking the Minister. I have time and time again said that when a Minister works with parliamentarians it makes everything easier. I again acknowledge his hands-on engagement and discussions at our joint committee, which are always very meaningful, fruitful and respectful and that is important. As Senator Paul Daly said, and he is a member of the joint committee like myself, we have engaged extensively with stakeholders. Initially, people were not happy but they have travelled on a journey. At the end of the day, we have signed up and bought into the EU and there are many benefits in respect of the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, environmental schemes and new schemes. Yes, sometimes we must push people along, but this measure was undertaken in compliance with a requirement. It was not something we necessarily wanted. It makes sense, though, and it is right that we should pursue it. We had to do a bit of convincing along the way.

I thank the Minister and his officials for their engagement with the Seanad and the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I finish on the point that farmers do not need lectures about ecosystems, compliance or biodiversity. They do not need lectures about animal welfare. Their livelihoods are crucially linked to the sustainability of agriculture, their animals and their land. This is about food, health, traceability and accountability. We should use every opportunity available through our education models and training to assist them. This is going to take time to bed down.

There may be some more work to do in terms of the IT systems and that whole area. There is also anxiety and concern when registration is being undertaken and when what is being used by farmers will be registered, but this makes sense and is the right thing to do. This ties in with the compliance aspect. Many people have difficulties in respect of compliance, but the benefits outweigh the anxieties and concerns. I think we will have teething problems initially, so we must support farmers. We must support the end users of fertiliser because this goes into the amenity horticultural sector as well. I refer to how they can embrace this legislation and make it meaningful.

I again thank the Minister. It makes it easy when a Minister is prepared to listen, negotiate and, more importantly, set out the background, principles and rationale of legislation. I thank the Minister very much.