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

I thank the Minister for his presentation. While I am encouraged, I am also at a loss to understand the proposed consultation process. From my understanding of the Minister's comments, he hopes to undertake it this autumn. That seems to be a short timeframe for maximum consultation. Will he outline how he hopes to do it? He stated that he would accept written submissions as well as open public debate.

What we are about to undertake before 2019 and 2020 will determine the viability of small and medium-sized farmers in particular. How the budget is shared out will determine their survival. The negotiations have allowed the Minister certain flexibilities.

I welcome the young farmer and generational change aspects. The top-up for young farmers is to be encouraged. It is a step forward and will be of considerable help from the point of view of generational change.

The Minister mentioned moving to an open-market approach.