Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

In response to Deputy Coonan's first question, I stated I would reserve my position in respect of the definition of active farmers but nothing else, regarding the CAP. Since the first Council meeting back in September 2008, Ireland has outlined strongly its position with regard to reform of the CAP. I stated this was in respect of active farmers and I am sure that were one to canvass the views of Members or farm organisations, there would be variations on the definition of active farmers. In addition, I have spoken of the need for flexibility for the different schemes within each member state. I probably also mentioned, while appearing before the joint committee, that I see a need to provide incentives to bring more young people into farming. In recent years, as additional milk quotas becoming available to Ireland, I have had in place a scheme whereby new entrants may obtain a mil quota. This was one of the first times that this has been done. The Department still is paying out substantial funds under the farm installation scheme and under the early retirement scheme. The latter scheme has been suspended for new entrants, which is the position at present.

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