Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

That is fair enough. We understand that and that it has been a difficult year for farmers. However, rather than top slicing everybody, my suggestion, which I believe would be acceptable to most people, is that we consider the top end. For example, almost 300 farmers in the country receive in excess of €100,000. If the Minister were to top slice them by 5% or 6%, it would create a pool of money amounting to €2 million to €3 million. Approximately 2,000 farmers receive more than €50,000. If the Minister were to top slice them by 2%, it would create approximately €3 million. That is the small amount of money required for this. Perhaps Members across the House should consider it. I do not believe it is something that the vast majority of Members or, indeed, the vast majority of people in the farming organisations could oppose. We are talking about taking it from the very top and putting it into the bottom where it is needed. I believe we should try to find a consensus on doing something of that nature. It will not take a great deal of money. All it requires is the will and the agreement. Of course, there will be pressure from the farming organisations who will be looking after the guys at the top, but we must look after the people who are starting off. They are the future, and this is about creating something for the future.

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