Noel O'Donovan (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for his words. I genuinely see and understand his conviction about holding the derogation. For the farm families I represent, this is a business that needs certainty like any other business.

On holding a section at 250 kg N/ha, if we can statistically check the water quality in streams and rivers surrounding an area that is at 250, I believe it would support our argument for holding a 220 or a derogation in general. It is a point to be made to EU officials and it would help if we can show water quality is at a pristine level for a specific area at 250, even with intensive agriculture.

I acknowledge the Minister of State's visit to Timoleague before. There is an invitation for him to visit again and I hope he can do so in the near future. It is to give confidence to farmers in that area and the wider west Cork area. I can give it at my level and I know it is being expressed through all the media but there is nothing like hearing it on the ground. I thank the Minister for his work on this and for being in the Chamber this morning.