Mr. Edmond Connolly:

I would like to say a few words about the organisation of Macra na Feirme. We are supporting a new breed of agricultural entrepreneurs. They are intelligent, well-educated young farmers who are ambitious and have very high expectations. They are buying into concepts such as the need for sustainable, intensive agriculture, favourable economic horizons for food, and the scope for technology adoption to improve prosperity. However, young farmers need excellent support services, both social and technical, and this is what Macra na Feirme provides. We are fulfilling this role in a variety of ways. We have an excellent club and county structure, and this is primarily volunteer led. We have a very small, dedicated team of professionals that supports the volunteers. There are 14 full-time staff equivalents. We have young farmer development groups in every county. We have discussion groups, dedicated training programmes, such as the young dairy directors' programme with ICOS, leadership training and other programmes. We are involved in industry study visits throughout Ireland and abroad. We are involved in personal development programmes, including public speaking and debating, and various others.

I make these remarks in the context of very high levels of youth unemployment. There are serious issues arising in society regarding mental illness, particularly among the young. There is a need for balanced regional development. This has been long acknowledged by the State. We are operating in an environment in which a small amount of support for a national organisation could have a considerable multiplier effect by way of delivering support services for rural young people. It would be very much aimed at furthering their continuous professional and social development.

We are very fortunate to be supported by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs through the youth services fund. The allocation is relatively small, amounting to less than €500,000 this year. However, it is being cut continually, thereby seriously undermining our ability to deliver our services. I am sure most organisations and interest groups say this. However, with what we regard as a tiny amount of seed capital, organisations that are volunteer led and which have a considerable volunteer network – we have a volunteer army supporting young farmers – with a small dedicated team of professionals can achieve so much. Our membership has increased over the past three years, as Mr. Jagoe said. Fifty new clubs have arisen in the past 18 months. Our participation levels have increased, as have our activity levels. We are active at local, national and international levels. A very small amount of seed capital could result in considerable dividends for the Stage in respect of the well-being of a sector that is part of the productive economy.