Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A lot of the issues I wanted to raise have already been dealt with. In respect of young farmers, it is positive to hear that the officials are trying as best they can to support young farmers. In the plan that is to be submitted before January 2020, what extra additional plans are being put in place to support young farmers? We know there is the national reserve and the TAMS, which have been mentioned. We need to see greater incentives for young people to be active in farming. The rate at which it is happening is low and it is difficult for young farmers. What additional plans are the Departments trying to put in place to support young farmers in the context of the next CAP?

Convergence was mentioned in terms of moving towards 60% this year with a minimum of 75%. Obviously we want to try to support family farms, small and medium sized farmers and also part-time farmers. This feeds into difficulties around certain definitions. It is crucially important that we support family farms and small to medium-sized farms.

There is a lot of information out there in terms of nutrient management plans. What can we expect in terms of lead-in time? We have seen certain issues and difficulties associated with this requirement for GLAS and its impact on farmers. What have we learned in terms of making sure there is a lead-in time for farmers? Overall, we know the CAP is crucially important for rural areas. We do not like to hear of cuts in it and we know the officials are doing their best to make sure that does not happen. In the context of Brexit, it is exceptionally difficult. We know the issues already in respect of the beef sector.

On LEADER, I was happy to hear that the Department is trying to work with community groups on their applications. We need to acknowledge that many of the applications that go into LEADER are from people working on a voluntary basis in the interests of trying to improve their local areas. We do understand there have to be checks and balances and processes in places: there has to be accountability. However, from a bureaucracy point of view, whatever measures can be put in place to support people and community groups in making successful applications need to be strongly included in the next rural development programme.