I fundamentally disagree with the Deputy and that will not surprise him. The fact that these issues are arising is evidence that we are moving ahead at a great pace. If nothing was happening, nobody would be excited. The fact that people are engaging in dialogue now, and some people are voicing contrary views, means we are moving fairly rapidly on the whole environmental protection front.
In terms of the timeframe for finalising this document, I had a similar discussion on the finalising and drawing up of the strategy of the national health policy, as the Deputy will recall as he was in Government then. On that occasion, I proceeded on the basis that it was better to listen to people's views and then, as Minister, draw together the best strategy. One can listen and discuss forever and never get to a proper strategy.
The strategy itself will not be written in stone once it is in place. It will be organic and will be able to grow and develop as new ideas, technologies and practices come to bear.
On the first of the Deputy's other two points, the REPS is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry. I am supportive of his efforts to ensure significant funds are available to ensure all farmers who wish to participate in the REP scheme are enabled to do so but it is outside my direct ministerial responsibility.
On the question of forestry, I intend taking a strong environmental initiative on forestry practices which is coming to fruition in terms of the dialogue between myself and my friend and colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry.