Seòmar agus comataidhean

Do the witnesses back the provisions on compensation for improvements and the shift from fixed lists to illustrative lists? I understand that the illustrative lists now include improvements that

“are presumed to facilitate or enhance sustainable and regenerative agricultural production.”

Are the illustrative lists clear enough? Would they be workable? Tom Oates is nodding.

Therefore, what conversation has there been between you and ESS on the regulations?

Are there any other views?

So, would that be your response if I phoned you up? I am talking about a health issue here. This is an environmental nuisance, with, say, odour issues and impacts on lung health as a result of PM2.5 derived from ammonia. I am on hold to you. What action can you take? What regulatory tools do you have available?

Right. So, basically, my constituent will have to wait until a European directive is considered and concluded in 2026, and then there might be a consultation with the Scottish Government about whether it wants to implement any of those provisions in domestic law. There is no recourse to environmental justice in the short term for somebody living next to a dairy farm or point-source emission of ammonia who has concerns and is suffering real health impacts, because it is not covered by general binding rules, notification, registration or permit.

That is long awaited, I think.

Okay—I think that that is pretty clear from your evidence this morning.

I presume that I could submit a freedom of information request and that you would eventually provide me with the information.

I think we would be interested in that information, because we will be inviting ESS to the committee in the weeks ahead, and the interaction between you, ESS and the Government is an area of interest to the committee, but—

Let us go back to this conversation with the constituent. The constituent phones your helpline, wanting answers and action. What action can you take?