Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman for allowing me contribute. I feel like a refugee at the committee. I welcome Mr. Bryan and the IFA delegation. Every issue raised here, not just by the IFA but by other farm organisations also, has a common thread. We recognise the arguments made on the value of the farm schemes in terms of turnover and added economic benefit, not just to farm families but to local economies, rural and urban. We do farmers a disservice when we suggest the economic benefits of these schemes apply just to local rural economies.

As the Chairman pointed out, it is important to take on board the bigger issues facing the State in the wider European context. I was glad to hear Senator Ó Domhnaill say we need to don the green jersey on this. While we all have our own battles to fight in the game, the country must come first. This hearing will help to highlight the importance of getting what we can in the European context. We must at least try to maintain an overall envelope in the multiannual financial framework that must be agreed. We would support everything that can be done in that regard.

I do not want to repeat what previous speakers have said. Obviously, I agree with most of it. However, sometimes we must look beyond the submission made. Senator Comiskey touched on the issue of the commonage framework plan. While this is not something that is an immediate problem, it is an issue we must deal with. Perhaps it is not for this budget discussion, but it is an issue that must be taken on board. Otherwise, Irish farmers face a potential European penalty - perhaps a 10% clawback. That is not in anybody's interest, so the issue must be dealt with.

The main issue I want to raise is a bit out of left field. The trend of Mr. Bryan's submission was maintenance and the need to hold what we have. There is an issue with this as it is proposed to remove €114 million from the agricultural Vote. Therefore, it will be difficult to hold what we have. Nowadays, Departments, agencies, farmers and staff all use the phrase "doing more for less". There is no point in them coming in and making a submission seeking to maintain everything as it is. However, there is one particular area where a small group of people and farm families would benefit from doing more for less, namely, in the area of aquaculture. I urge the farming representatives to include in their submissions proposals to enhance, support and develop the aquaculture industry, particularly along the western seaboard. The people who would benefit from doing more for less in this area would be farmers or people working in farm families. The development of this industry would help to supplement their incomes.

This industry is underdeveloped currently. I am aware the issue is mentioned in the submission document and am aware Mr. Flynn advocates progressive development. This is not just an IFA issue, but is a Department, State and general public issue. For an island nation, we have an appalling record in the area of aquaculture. Development of this area will not solve all our problems, but for people along the western seaboard, it is an option that should be discussed. I would welcome more engagement, support and development in this area. I do not want to go on about this, but It is an area that is not discussed enough.