Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

A commitment was given in the programme for Government to assist the agriculture industry and farmers, especially young farmers. The aim was to lower the age profile of the farming community and revitalise the sector. Before Christmas, Teagasc made a request to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for assistance to deal with the backlog of 3,600 young farmers who are seeking places in agricultural colleges to get green certificate qualifications. On top of this, no young farmer got an entitlement from the national reserve in 2016. What are we going to do to assist the young farming community and revitalise this sector? These young fellows are trying to get going but they are down on their knees.

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