What is in place to prevent someone from starting a fur farm business today and then claiming compensation?
Mr McHugh: So no one will get a licence to start a fur farm. Mr Dallat: Providing a date almost invites people to start a fur farm before that date. The advice that the Committee has been given is professional and should be used. The Deputy Chairperson: The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has asked for legal advice, and there is some conflict of opinion. The advice to the Committee is to specify a date before which a business must have been in operation in order to qualify for payments. There must be clarification. Mr Given: There are two dates in question. If there were to be a compensation scheme, the Department would make it applicable to people who were in operation before 10 April 2001. In any scheme, a closing date, on or before which those who qualify for assistance must apply, is also specified. The cover is in place to do both of those things. Mr McHugh: We do not need to add a specific date. Mr Given: Lawyers are like doctors; they differ. Mr Kane: Therefore,
