Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour)

I commend the Minister for his commitment to the agricultural sector which is clear to all, particularly those of us who sit on the agriculture committee. I commend him also for having recently extended the deadline for spreading slurry until the end of the month to enable people take advantage of this bout of good weather.

With regard to areas with natural constraints, I understand that one of the proposals in the CAP reform proposals is a top-up scheme proposed for least favoured areas under pillar I that would initially run alongside the existing disadvantaged areas scheme. The Minister may correct me if I am wrong but I understand the proposal is that the disadvantaged areas scheme would cease at some point during the period of reform considered. As a representative of Clare, where a number of farmers farm under severe natural constraints in some cases, I am concerned that their top-up measures for disadvantaged areas be continued. I would like to know the Minister's response to this reform proposal and if it is optional, which I understand is the case from media reports, if the Department or the Minister would be minded to introduce it in Ireland.

See this speech in context