Mr. Pat Cleary:

I would like to address Deputy Ryan's references to monocropping. The last CAP compelled any farmer with more than 30 ha to grow three different crops on his or her farm. On our own farm we grow six crops, three of which are break crops. They have all added significantly to our overall output. We are growing beans and peas as high protein feed for livestock and oil seed rape for energy production. I would remind Deputy Ryan that when he was a Minister the Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff, REFIT, scheme for biofuels was closed which caused a lot of distress to farmers who had invested heavily at the time. Many went out of business as a result of that policy change.

The Chairman spoke about young farmers. I agree with him that they need to be supported. There was a significant amount of help available for them from the national reserve in the past two budgets, but a lack of access to funding at low interest rates for full-time, active young farmers is a very significant factor as it affects continuity. Many young formers are still interested in agriculture and it is a great life. All they want is to make a reasonable living from it in the future.

To answer Deputy Eamon Ryan, our sector has changed significantly in the past ten years. Most arable enterprises in the south east are sustainable in terms of the environment and climate change. We will improve in time; all we need are the right supports.