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

I thank the Minister for his presentation. As Deputy Ó Cuív said, it is almost impossible to get into the actual specifics so I would like to focus on the prospects and the intentions that formed part of the Minister's presentation. The Minister referred to the opportunities regarding the implementation of the CAP and the CFP and regarding the main sectors, particularly milk, where, for the first time since 1984, there has been a dramatic increase in milk output with the elimination of quotas. How confident is the Minister that the vision or intent can be realised in regard to achieving the potential that exists?

I say that in relation to my concern, on which I have been consistent since the very beginning, about the abolition of quotas. In effect, it will be the end of the smaller producers in particular. As is happening in the beef sector at the moment, margins are getting smaller and smaller. Is the Minister satisfied that the potential can be realised and that this will not have an impact on the weaker, marginal producers? What is the Minister's target for production in that regard in 2020?

Referring to the weaker sector again, concerns have been raised in the committee and the Dáil Chamber on the curtailing of farm assist payments. What interaction has Deputy Coveney had with the relevant Minister in that regard? Is there any prospect of returning to the 2009, 2010 or 2011 level of farm assist, which helped the marginal, weaker farmers to survive?

Regarding the rural development programmes-----