Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate. I thank our spokesperson on agriculture, Deputy Moynihan, for tabling the motion. Those not involved in the agricultural sector might be confused, and because agriculture seems to be doing well at present and farmers have had a relatively good year they might suggest it is unusual for us to discuss it in the House. In the past, many of the discussions in the House took place after the horse had bolted, and it is appropriate that we take a long-term view on this issue, recognising the significant and serious pitfalls that lie ahead for the sector, and address it in an open and frank way. We should try to do so in as non-partisan a way as possible with agreement in the House, when we do not have thousands of farmers protesting outside the gate with an imminent crisis on our doorstep. Therefore, I welcome the approach taken.

Agriculture is and always has been a major plank of our economy with regard to output, employment and exports. It has faced many challenges over the years and the stakeholders have shown great resolve, innovation and capacity to change and to remain relevant, competitive and sustainable. This includes farmers, processors and all those involved in the agricultural sector. It is also important to recognise the tremendous work done by farm representative bodies. They have been to the forefront in raising local, national and international issues. They have shown a great capacity to understand the workings of the Commission and the important role Europe place in the sector. They have identified some of the major challenges and sought to resolve them domestically and internationally.

The president of the IFA, Mr. John Bryan, led an exceptionally important campaign to level the playing pitch for Irish beef against South American imports. It was one of the highlights of the organisation's work. I do not want to single out any one organisation; others have been very strong advocates on behalf of the farming community at times when it did not seem popular or relevant to some. It is their work, together with the stakeholders, that has brought agriculture back to the fore. For some years, agriculture has been put to one side and recognition was not given to its employment capacity and the major stake it has played in our economy.

I will now turn to the issue at hand and the concerns raised about the proposed changes to the CAP, in particular the position taken by the Commission on the greening effect. Farmers have modernised their business and are compliant in many ways. It seems ludicrous that payments will be connected with a new requirement or necessity to get involved in a further greening process. To some extent, we need to call a halt to this over-regulation. The farming sector is over-regulated and is well-policed across the board. Previously, we dealt with the matter of who would ultimately manage the nitrates directive and whether it would be the Department with responsibility for the environment or local authorities. If we return to this type of process it will take away from the capacity of the farming sector to play an exceptionally important role in the regeneration of our economy. If unnecessary boundaries or false ceilings are put in place merely for the sake of greater regulation, it will spancel the capacity of a productive sector in our economy to flourish and thrive and meet the needs of our society.

We speak daily about the need to create jobs and the farming sector can do this. The Food Harvest 2020 programme sets out an agenda for a thriving indigenous sector. We spend much time speaking about foreign direct investment, which is a hugely important part of our economy. If Intel or Microsoft suggested to us that we need to examine or be careful about regulation we would take it seriously. The farming sector has a far greater impact on our economy than any of the multinationals and we must take very seriously its concerns with regard to our negotiating position on this subject. I appeal to the Minister, and I have every confidence in him and his team, to find a workable solution which allows the sector to play an important role in the regeneration of our economy.

Deputies Moynihan and Browne have already spoken about the significant and serious issue with regard to the quota regime. While quotas will no longer exist from next year, it seems ludicrous that while other areas are 10% below quota we are over quota and will be penalised. Farmers will be drying off cows, selling pedigree herds and reducing their capacity and output at a time when the country needs it for our balance of payments, as it will not be subsumed into our economy but will predominantly affect exports and value-added jobs in processing.

I appeal to the Minister to use whatever leverage and muscle he has in Europe. Some seek to suggest that because of other issues Europe may not look favourably on us. It has looked favourably on us with regard to other matters, including today when the interest rate for the facility provided by the Commission has, without any great effort on our behalf, been reduced. This is significant and a recognition by some that we need appropriate assistance. We should make our approach with regard to the quotas as a plank in our capacity to trade our way out of this. We are not calling with the begging bowl; we are seeking fair play and a little bit of a push, particularly in this sector and we will work our way out of it. I ask the Minister to bring the matter forward as quickly as possible in whatever way he can so that next year farmers will not be challenged by trying to re-establish their herds and output as quotas are lifted. I look forward to working with him and his colleagues in this regard.

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