Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The cuts of €54 million are substantial in the overall scheme of things. The Minister made the point that there could possibly be an underspend on the capital side. I recall the Minister said it would be €10 million. Could that be transferred? I know that in the case of the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme, TAMS, which is under the capital side, there is an issue about the criteria for qualification. I understand there has been a poor uptake generally during the past while. Could that be expanded in any way? I realise this is broadening the question a little. Could it be expanded in any way to ensure a better uptake? I believe every available penny or euro within the Department should be used if it is there to be used rather than have it rolling over from year to year or not being taken up.

I would welcome the Minister's comments on the horse issue. We are heading into the winter now. I hope it will not be as difficult or as long as last winter but if it is in anything in the same vein as last winter, we will be in serious difficulties where horses are concerned. Has the Minister considered any ideas? Judging from the comments he has made, he appears to be considering the idea of an amnesty for horses that are not eligible for the factory setup. A large number of horses in the country will be under severe pressure as we come into the winter because the feed may not be directed in their direction. It will become a problem if the winter is difficult. Is an amnesty on the cards? What would be the potential cost of that amnesty? That is a big issue as well.

Previous speakers have mentioned that the suckler premium or potential support for suckler farmers has been a topic of conversation in recent times within farming circles. It is well known that suckler numbers are dropping. We had a related discussion at length yesterday in the committee. While a suckler premium would be welcome and may stabilise the situation, it may not halt the decline in numbers in future and that will have a knock-on effect on the Food Harvest 2020 plan as we move beyond this year into other years. Can anything be done for the future? The suckler premium was probably a short-term measure to address a long-term problem. What is the potential cost of it? If it does come in, is the intention to have it across the board or to have a focused scheme?