Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not quite sure if that has anything to do with the budget. To be fair, it is more of a local authority issue. Given the presentation and the members' response, the underlying theme has been centred on getting farm land into the hands of young, trained professionals with an enthusiasm for the career and the job. Looking at all our objectives for growth in this sector, with the quotas gone, I think members will agree that it is a different presentation from the others in so far as the witnesses have concentrated on incentive measures to allow the industry grow to where it becomes product-based and income-earning. Various aid schemes, such as the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme or TAMS and the single farm payment, are built around that. However, the principle is that one has a productive, profitable farm business.

It was also interesting to hear what Mr. Connelly said about the wider dimension Macra na Feirme plays in Irish society. That cannot be underestimated. The committee would be interested in Macra's ongoing discussions with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. If Macra wants to present specific correspondence to us we will be able to reflect on it and maybe support its efforts. That is not being party political. If Mr. Jagoe wants to reply to any particular points that have been raised, including the planning permission one, he is welcome to do so.