Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for not responding on that point, which the Chairman raised in his contribution. We are one of the few EU member states that does not have an insurance-based model for dealing with circumstances such as fodder shortages and drought as part of its toolbox under the Common Agricultural Policy. Given the frequency with which events like this are occurring, that option should be examined and the Department is doing so the context of the next CAP reform. The Chairman also raised the issue of young people. We need young people in the industry and we have instruments in place to encourage that, for example, young farmer supports and higher levels of grant aid under the targeted agricultural modernisation schemes, TAMS. The insurance model has much to recommend it.