Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

That is what we need to do. We are here to discuss the budget. Will something be put in place in the budget to help young farmers who are entering the industry? That is one of the issues we need to deal with. We have a bunch of forgotten farmers. We do not want to see any more farmers being put into that category.

While I do not want to delay the meeting, I would like to raise two more issues. I understand that some money was provided to harness racers, who have been mentioned, to compile a report into the industry as it moves forward. That report has been completed and presented. The harness racers have proposed a budget request that sets out how they need to get themselves established over the next period of time. It comes to approximately €1 million per annum. Given that approximately €65 million is provided to Horse Racing Ireland and Bord na gCon, it would be appropriate to find some way of providing money to support this sector.

I was not here when Deputy Eugene Murphy spoke about drainage. Drainage is an issue where it is appropriate. We have to reflect on the appropriateness of drainage in areas of heavier land. The issue of fodder comes into this. Drainage can bring about a longer grazing season and get more land into meadow, but the problem we find in many parts of the country - certainly in the west and in areas of heavier soil - is that the land is too wet, unfortunately. If a drainage scheme were in place, it would open up possibilities where appropriate. I understand that it is not appropriate everywhere. Common sense has to be applied. There is a need for a drainage scheme in appropriate places where it would work and where it would help farmers to increase their productivity.