Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Agriculture cannot be divorced from a discussion about rural Ireland which has suffered many attacks since this recession was visited upon us. The cuts affect schools, hospitals, local post offices, Garda stations, transport services. Off-farm income has dropped and young people are leaving in droves. The farming community has not escaped lightly. While there have been improvements in yields in recent years, this year has been particularly tough and the Minister will know this. Although improvements have been made and the wealth generated by agriculture is helping our economy, it does not mean that it is trickling down to the average farm family. The agrifood industry was worth €24 billion to the Irish economy in 2011 but the average farm family income was €25,000 and in the area I represent, that income would be a fraction of €25,000. That does not sound to me like fair distribution of wealth.

Our EU Presidency next year presents a great opportunity for an agreement on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. The Minister knows as well as anyone the immense importance of agriculture to the economy and the resultant jobs in manufacturing and transport. The Presidency should be used to encourage debate on real reform and to push Ireland's agenda. I am confident the Minister will do so. I repeat that he has the full support of Sinn Féin.

I know the Minister has a good working relationship with the Minister for Agriculture in the Six Counties. We have a shared future on this small island and this must be developed and exploited. There are many mutual benefits to be gained for farmers both in the Six Counties and in the 26 Counties and close co-operation will maximise those opportunities.

Sinn Féin has continuously highlighted the importance of the agri-environment options scheme, AEOS, which is an important aspect of farmers' annual income and is essential for the upkeep of many farm families. AEOS was introduced in order to carry on the important role of REPS in developing sustainable agriculture in Ireland. With regard to the environmental and wildlife aspect of agriculture it is essential that good environmental practices continue to be incorporated into Irish agriculture and AEOS plays a vital role. The tourist industry, along with agriculture, is another major industry. Agriculture and tourism must go hand in hand in developing our rural areas and AEOS is a process through which this can be done better.

The changes to the stocking rates under the disadvantaged areas scheme is a step away from the environmentally aware aspect of agriculture and it is important that land that is not sufficient to carry high stocking density should not be over-grazed. Many farmers are aggrieved about the cuts to the disadvantaged areas scheme because these farmers who were originally supposed to benefit from the scheme now believe they are losing out. Sinn Féin lobbied the Minister for a derogation to be introduced to allow farmers who had a genuine case to be given leeway with regard to stocking rates. We are pleased that this leeway was introduced but I suggest it needs to go further. I ask him to reconsider that decision when planning for next year's budget.

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