Farmers are, I’m sure, closely examining the proposal to pay up to €400/ha to control rushes in Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).

Such a payment will be especially welcome among those in the Shannon callows, who have led the “compensation for designation” campaign for years now.

I wonder will IFA president Tim Cullinan apply for the payment, on the grounds that he is carrying out “Rushe control” by keeping his deputy president in check?

It’s often been said the IFA president watches their deputy more closely than they do the Department, although I understand Cullinan and Rushe are developing a good working relationship.