James Breen (Clare, Independent)

Since the Minister hails from Donegal, where there are small farmers such as in County Clare, I do not need to tell her of the hardship which will befall them if the disadvantaged area is declassified. It will reduce their incomes considerably. The introduction of the nitrates directive will further reduce their incomes and stocking rates, while the beef premium overshoot of €18 million will also cause hardship for farmers. I ask the Minister to do her best to ensure there is no reclassification of disadvantaged areas in this country.

Can the Minister veto the declassification? Over what timescale does the Minister expect it to take place? If the current situation is maintained, will the Minister guarantee index linking, so payments will rise with the rate of inflation? This is important for farmers. The Minister and the two Ministers of State in the Department are aware that we cannot afford to allow declassification to take place.

The Minister is fighting to maintain live exports of cattle. If they are not maintained, small farmers will be put out of business. The Minister sees the importance of this. I remind Deputy Naughten that I am the biggest small farmer in County Clare, by size only.

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