Mr. John Keane:

Before I make my final remarks, I will touch on Deputy Browne's question on the impact of 3% versus 4% on young farmers. It amounts to €14 million over the course of the CAP period. That sounds like an insignificant number, but when one considers the ambitions that we have set out in terms of the inclusion of a fully funded national reserve, including the additional supports that we are seeking under Pillar 2 payments, and an additional stream of young people coming into farming as a result who will need to be supported under Pillar 1 payments, the consequences of not supporting or fully funding those ambitions will be felt far beyond the impact of the payments.

As has been stated numerous times, the ambition to support young farmers, drive generational renewal and elevate it to one of the nine key objectives must be at the forefront of the Minister's mind and the minds of those involved in the CAP negotiations. For the past 20 or 30 years, we have spoken about generational renewal and encouraging young farmers. We have spoken about generational renewal since my father was involved in Macra na Feirme, which was not in the past ten years. The issue of young farmers has always been talked about. We stand at a point when we need constructive, supported and fully funded measures to drive generational renewal. As has been stated, the average age is shoving 60 years. Were that the case in medicine, teaching or any other sector in our economy, it would not be facilitated or tolerated. We need fully funded supports for young farmers so as to drive generational renewal. They have shown a commitment to engaging in new practices and changes that are environmentally friendly and sustain the agricultural sector.

I thank the Chairman for the opportunity to address the committee.