Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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I thank the Minister for his presentation. It must be a unique situation, whereby the rich get more money than the poor and those on good land seem to receive more in subsidies than those on poor land. The Minister said we know his opinion on the cap on payments. I am curious as to what it is. It should be limited to €35,000. Information has been supplied to me by smaller farming groups, which have told me changes would lead to a redistribution of in the region of €90 million. One thing that is confusing me about the debate is that when one is discussing an issue as important as this, it is important that everyone puts his or her cards on the table. If people are arguing that there should be no cap on the amount people receive, it is important to know whether those making such decisions receive large payments. Those speaking should make clear their personal interests.

I have heard people in large farming groups, who receive far more than €35,000, argue there should be no €35,000 cap on payments. At an IFA meeting in Drumshanbo a number of months ago, I discovered the IFA will give the Minister an easy time. I asked if it would campaign to put a maximum limit on the amount a farmer could receive through CAP and was told it would not campaign to cut anyone's payment. I thought it would campaign for all of its members. I have met umpteen members and attended meetings where small farmers - I do know what the definition is but we have a fair idea - are up in arms at the way things are going. What would be the problem in supporting those who are not on the best land?

It is important to differentiate between productive and intensive farming.

It is important to differentiate between “productive” and “intensive”. A farmer can be productive without necessarily being intensive, because his or her land is not suitable for that type of activity. Would the Minister describe the farmers of north Roscommon as productive and, if so, will they be rewarded accordingly?