Tom Barry (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the representatives and congratulate the IFA as its meetings around the country were informative, constructive and contributed to the debate on the CAP.

The representatives referred to the expenditure ceilings in place. Perhaps they might be examined in line with the employment created on a performance-related basis, which is an interesting point. Obviously, we disagree with the fact that the expenditure ceilings do not take account of EU funds. We feel disenfranchised in that regard and that position will not be corrected overnight, but putting in place a performance based model would be progressive. That is a welcome idea which we certainly will push further.

Discussion groups on the grain and sheep sectors are absolutely vital. Last week we launched a document on the tillage industry, a copy of which can be made available to the representatives if they are interested. It is all about increasing performance and production levels as efficiently as possible. Certainly having discussion groups would be a good starting point. In my early days in farming I found such groups helpful, not only in seeking to improve one's performance but also socially as they linked individuals.

Land mobility is critical. Where there is fragmentation, anything that can be done must be considered.

We need to arrive at a solution to the problem of active and non-active farmers. The Chairman may be tired of listening to me saying this. During the boom times hobby farmers were able to take their animals to the mart and if they broke even, it was not a problem, whereas the person who was trying to earn a living could not compete. We need to start looking at commercial farmers once again, irrespective of the scale one is at. That farmers are signing up to receive their single farm payment and renting the land is unacceptable. This is happening, but the matter is being brushed under the carpet. That is the biggest penalty imposed on many farmers and I am determined to have the issue discussed. Something must be done and I want a solution to it to be found.

The food security issue will become more pressing. The cost of food kept the rate of inflation down in the past. When I ceased producing milk in 1991, the price was around 28 cent per litre; it is still around that level. When the spring bursts, the price of food will increase and the consumer will not thank us. All of the messing with the CAP means people are taking their eye off the ball and there could be a food crisis. Weather patterns around the world make this clear. However, they have been warned and should stop playing politics on the issue. It is not good enough.

I listened to the comments on inspections. Perhaps a common database is needed for inspectors, as there is no point in council, departmental and other inspectors tripping over one another on farms. We are living in the computer age. One should be able to check on one's iPhone who previously carried out an inspection. There is no point in repeating a job done by someone else.

I am not comfortable with overdoing staff cuts. While we are in difficulty and there are cutbacks to be made, that will not always be the case.

Farming is cyclical and if we cut our staff too much, those cut will be the very people we require when we want to expand. I do not like to hear people say our staff are not good. We have excellent staff and must recognise that. Consider, for example, the efficiency with regard to the single farm payment this year. It was paid on time or early and many of us were very glad of it. Forestry staff also are extremely helpful. I am not comfortable with criticising staff, because they make the system work. However, I admit efficiencies are necessary.

The coming budget will be difficult as it is trying to square a circle. We all know there must be cuts in some areas and must be realistic about this. The issue is to ensure these cuts are fair. I know not everybody will be happy at the end of the process, but we must realise these are things that must be done at this time. Hopefully, we will try to deal with them in a fair and balanced fashion.