Pat O'Neill (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the representatives from the ICMSA whom we met last week to discuss the same matter. I ask the Chairman for latitude, because normally when witnesses are present the Chairman does not allow us to debate, but as a Member of the Seanad I do not get much opportunity to debate with Deputy Ó Cuív and I would like to respond to his comments. Approximately 500 farmers in the country receive a single farm payment of more than €100,000. Deputy Ó Cuív stated we would create a group of armchair farmers. Those who receive the single farm payment do so because they farm intensively, have been working and will not stop doing so. I do not accept his point. Deputy Ó Cuív feels some of the farming organisations are trying to push out part-time farmers and I do not accept this point either.

Farming organisations are working in the best interests of all farmers, be they part-time, full-time, intensive or extensive.

I welcome the points on solicitors, land consolidation and capital gains, and we will take up those matters. If our country is to progress Food Harvest 2020, land must be consolidated. People should not pay capital gains tax for swapping fields and so on.

I would welcome Mr. Comer's comments on another matter, although he may not want to put them on the public record. Two weeks ago, Deputy Ó Cuív made proposals on the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, and the single farm payment. What is the ICMSA's opinion on those proposals?

My next point is not a pre-budget one, but post-Common Agricultural Policy. It relates to 2015 and the disappearance of quotas. Glanbia is taking an important vote today and I wish it the best. It will help the future of agriculture in Ireland. Some sides are proposing caution whereas others are proposing that we should go for it and start producing milk in vast quantities. The ICMSA has many members. Farmers, land and stocking rates differ, but most people involved in the milk sector are committed to increasing milk production. The danger is that we could land people in financial difficulties if the market collapsed after they made their investments. Has the ICMSA held meetings with its members on the post-2015 situation and discussed, for example, what increased percentage of capital investment they should make in stock, buildings or land? Should it be 10%, 20% or just 1%? Has the ICMSA conducted a study in this regard?

I apologise for my rant, but this is the only forum where I am able to discuss matters with Deputy Ó Cuív.