Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

The agriculture and food production industries are of vital importance to Ireland's economic recovery as much of its gross domestic product comes from agriculture and food-related industries. I wish to question the status of the national rural development strategy. The package is worth €5.7 billion and includes REPS payments, disadvantaged area payments, the early retirement scheme, installation aid and farm investments. Close to half this funding is received from the European agricultural fund for rural development. When first launched, the then Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food cited the package as evidence of the Government's commitment to farmers and to rural Ireland. It also was meant to help Ireland's rural economy to diversify and become more competitive internationally.

I question how the funding could be decimated 18 months later, if the Government recognises its importance. How can the Government pay lip service to the notion of social partnership in this manner? The Government cannot allow groups such as the IFA and other farming bodies to enter discussions, make agreements, co-operate and work together to make the best plans for this industry only to then fail to honour such agreements and to renege on such vital funding for this extremely important industry. As only 8% of Irish farmers are under 35, young and talented farmers should be retained. Young people are the lifeblood of any industry and their energy, ideas and commitment will continue to benefit this industry for years to come.

I refer to some of the comments made earlier by some of the Fianna Fáil Members and to those made by Deputy Dooley in particular. Last Sunday, I addressed almost 7,000 farmers in Ennis, County Clare. Although there was no sign of Deputy Dooley at that meeting, I overheard him stating this evening that he did not hear the trouble in which farmers find themselves.

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