Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In my end of the country, we consider everyone down there the same. Through our deliberations, all members of the committee agree that if we do not create the conditions to allow young people to enter farming and be sustainable and profitable in that endeavour, the Irish family farm as we know it will not be in place in a generation. The work of Macra na Feirme is crucial. The outworkings of the current Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, negotiations are pivotal in ensuring that young farmers have a viable avenue into farming. In that regard, the opening statement provided by Macra na Feirme and its ongoing work are crucial.

I have a few broad questions regarding the current negotiations on CAP. Does the delegation believe the proposals as they stand and the general thrust of the discussions are fit for purpose in terms of their objectives and priorities? Do they believe there is scope within the current CAP template to address issues such as the forgotten farmers, for example, and other cohorts that did not receive the supports that were required in the previous CAP? Will there be a provision within the next round of CAP that will allow the Government to address their particular concerns? I refer to the issue of the GAEC proposals. I do not know whether our guests were listening to the committee's deliberations on this issue with other farm organisations last week. Are the GAEC proposals fit for the challenges that have been outlined?

There is always a balance to be struck between encouraging older farmers to retire and providing the supports that are in place, and encouraging young people to come in and fill that gap. Do the delegates believe we have the balance right in terms of the policies and financial packages that are in place? If not, what needs to be done to address that? What should the committee be proposing to the Department and the European institutions with regard to the next round of CAP that would address the clear deficiencies in terms of the age profile of farmers?