Seán Connick (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I was asked if we are prepared to wear the green jersey and fight the fight. We have been fighting the fight for a number of months in the agriculture sector. The report published and launched by the Minister earlier this year, Food Harvest 2020, clearly outlines the views of the Government on the prospects for agriculture and fisheries, so we see that as a vital driver of the Irish economy. Savings are required across all subheads and across the various divisions. We have been lobbied intensively by farmers across the country about the various schemes and we are hopeful that we can protect them. However, until we see the figures that we are dealing with after the budget, rather than the overall capital figure, we cannot give any indication as to what is likely to happen. We are fighting to ensure that we maximise the return right across the various subheads and sectors.

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