Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

When we compare the demographic profile of farmers to that of 20 years ago, we find that more young people go to third level nowadays. They have many more options than they had 15 or 20 years ago. I believe that will have a big bearing on young people who, having gone to college, want a job that provides a reasonable income because most such jobs are in the big urban centres or cities. Part-time farmers, such as many near me in the west, supplement their income by working part time while doing the best they can on their land. I do not know how long that will continue and we could be at a pivotal point, notwithstanding what Ms McPhillips said.