Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

Deputy Heydon makes a fair point. I am not pretending there is some type of miracle solution to introduce economies of scale into Irish farming. What we are essentially trying to do is to keep intact the family farm ownership structure that prevails in rural areas. I am very wedded to that system; the heartbeat of rural Ireland is family ownership of farms. At the same time, we can improve the business of farming for many people by improving efficiencies and skill sets on farms.

Farming in partnership assists that if it is done properly. It must be a legal partnership without get-out clauses. Partnerships are normally put in place for five or seven years. Anybody entering into a partnership must be cognisant that they are signing up to a significant legal commitment. The positive aspects of that are clear from a commercial point of view, but account must also be taken of any negatives. That is why I am asking Teagasc to put in place several partnership pilot projects next year, with varying levels of partnership integration, so farmers can see them working in a practical way before jumping into a partnership themselves. I am hopeful that the new stock relief measures to encourage farmers to consider partnerships will result in a large number of families sitting around the table and discussing whether they want to go into business with their neighbours in a manner beneficial to all parties.

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