Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister, Ms Michelle O'Neill MLA, and Mr. Conor Heaney. What is encouraging in their presentation is the reference to the growing all-island aspect of agriculture and, I hope, fisheries.

In regard to the fishery sector, we heard presentations recently from inshore fishermen, who represent the biggest part of our fleet. Obviously, the sector is far more beneficial to our communities than individual arrangements. The fishermen are finding it extremely difficult because of the costs of fuel and insurance and necessary safety changes. In order to survive, a majority of the boats employ foreign nationals, as one might have noted from some of the tragedies that have occurred. This is because the income is so small and people are not entering the industry. Has an initiative to help the inshore fishermen been considered in the Six Counties? In all fairness to them, they comprise the biggest contributor to local economies, particularly in rural areas. Particularly on the west coast, small fishing communities have been very badly hit as a consequence of successive policies that were implemented, particularly those of the European Union.

The tackling of rural poverty and isolation was mentioned. Ms O'Neill stated the allocation for this year is €16 million while the figure for last year was €10 million. How is that distributed? What areas in particular are targeted? Rural isolation, which is typically experienced by single people on very small holdings, is a significant problem in the South. Every member of this committee is well acquainted with the problem.

Post offices throughout the country are one of the main points of contact for people who live in rural areas. The ban on taking any alcohol must also be considered, and people are really confined to their houses. Has Ms O'Neill any strategy in place to tackle that type of isolation? Rural isolation gives rise to mental health problems.

All of us, irrespective of our political persuasions, were greatly impressed by the manner in which the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, tackled the horsemeat problem some months ago and last year. Leadership came from the Minister and his Department. What kind of co-operation existed between Ms O'Neill and our Minister, Deputy Coveney, in tackling the debacle? Was any legislation brought forward regarding traceability, particularly regarding fillers for burgers? The system for tracing such fillers' countries of origin was wide open to abuse.

Ms O'Neill mentioned disease eradication. Are there any specific geographic areas that are most affected? A year to a year and a half ago, an area in the north Louth-south Armagh area was affected more than anywhere else, certainly more than anywhere else in the 26 counties. Is there any formal structure in place between the Departments in the North and South to tackle the problem? I hope there is. If not, I hope it will be put in place because there is a problem. To eradicate disease completely, there needs to be absolute co-operation on both sides of the Border.

Deputy Ó Cuív has already mentioned flexibility and convergence.