Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman and all the participants. I have two quick questions. The first is for Macra na Feirme. Either the IFA or the ICMSA can answer the second. I do not agree with all of the contributions made by the representatives of the farming organisations, although I agree with some of them. Mr. Keane spoke about new schemes and additional interventions for the new generation of farmers and young farmers. I fully agree with Macra na Feirme on that because if we have no young farmers coming through, we do not have great hope for the industry going forward. Will Mr. Keane flesh out what Macra na Feirme would like to see done in that regard in the next round of CAP?

I raise the second issue with the IFA and the ICMSA because they mentioned it. Mr. Cullinan spoke about targeted schemes. One scheme I would like to see reintroduced is the early retirement scheme. When we met the senior officials from the Department this morning I and many other members raised the early retirement scheme. It is to be paid for with the same pot of money so it will compete with other targeted schemes. Consequently, if we introduce an early retirement scheme, it will be to the detriment of other schemes or areas. The previous early retirement scheme was very successful. My own parents availed of it, as did many other families across the country. I know it was left somewhat open-ended and we would need to apply tighter restrictions if it were to be reintroduced.