Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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We can go into more depth on the other areas. The ten minutes we have allotted to the group have elapsed, but we will have plenty of time to discuss the other issues níos déanaí. I suggest we give each questioner five minutes to ask questions and that we will take all the questions together. That means the witnesses will be busy with their pens taking down the questions so that they can answer the ones which are relevant to them respectively. I will start.

Some of the key information that has been set out is fascinating. The fact that average farm incomes are €26,000 shows that there is a two-tier experience in the State. The Teagasc document states that 37% of farms are economically viable, which is a phenomenal statistic that jumps out at one on this issue. The new information I have not heard before and which is fascinating is the fact that the dual income location is really important having regard to young families and, therefore, young children. It is a driver of the demographic location development, which is something the committee must look at.

I start with Irish Rural Link and note that the public banking system is a no-brainer. There is no doubt about that. Other countries have really good public banking systems. That not only protects their banking systems but also allows for geographic dispersal of banking activity, which does not happen in this country.

I heard yesterday that there is a change in the rural social scheme which will prevent people younger than 25 getting involved and people will only be able to join it for a total of six years in periods of two or three years. How will that affect people those whose incomes are challenged? The one-stop-shop is a recurring theme, for example, to bring State services into the post offices which are State infrastructure. The Western Development Commission seems also to provide for that kind of leadership, economic development and funding mechanism. Does the forum have experience of dealing with the commission or should it be replicated in other regions?

It is shocking that we cannot put together the income challenge facing farmers with the energy and environmental crises in developing energy generation through the agricultural process. I heard today that Bord na Móna is bringing in timber from Madagascar to fire stations here. It is shocking that we have the land and ability and do not put the two together. What can be done to make sure that we have far more energy creation and development within the farming sector?