Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be as quick as I can. I am very pleased to be able to speak on the budget, and I commend the Minister for Finance on bringing forward a responsible, prudent and balanced budget. Budget 2019 protects the agri-food and fisheries sector in the face of the Brexit challenge and supports those in the most disadvantaged areas. It seeks to build resilience. Deputy Healy-Rae was right in saying that agriculture is one of our biggest and most important indigenous industries. Indeed while jobs were being lost and every other area was showing a downturn, the agri-food sector has consistently shown growth in the last several years, notwithstanding the fact that the last 12 months have been very challenging.

The Government and the Department, apart from the measures outlined in yesterday's budget, have responded to the various different crises through transport for fodder, extra fodder cash crops and the like. The Department responded to what was asked of it by the farm organisations. In particular I welcome the €23 million increase to the allocation for the areas of natural constraints scheme, ANC. That brings the total 2019 allocation to €250 million and restores ANC payments to their level prior to the economic downturn. My colleague has outlined the main details of the other schemes. I will concentrate in my few minutes on the areas of my responsibility, namely forestry, horticulture, organics and the greyhound sector.

Forestry is a viable land use option that can provide an alternative income stream for farmers complementing the overall farm enterprise. I welcome the continuation of support for the development of forestry with the allocation of €103 million for 2019. This level of investment by the Government recognises the ongoing contribution of the forestry sector and its importance both to the rural economy and to achieving climate change mitigation targets. This year has seen a reorientation in forestry policy following the mid-term review completed earlier in the year, with a higher grant available for broad-leaf plantings. We have seen significant growth in the percentage of broad-leaf trees being planted. In addition to that, we are funding other forestry initiatives, including NeighbourWood schemes and the recently launched woodland environment fund.

Ireland's horticulture sector is one of the sectors most challenged by Brexit, though it faces several other challenges. However, it still has significant potential for development. Funding for capital investments in the commercial horticulture sector has been increased by an additional €1 million, or 20%, to €6 million for 2019. This comes in response to strong demand for investment within the sector and the emerging challenges posed by Brexit. Budget 2019 puts the resources in place to maximise the industry's competitiveness and give growers the potential to capitalise on the opportunities that lie ahead.

With regard to organics, the Irish organic market is now valued at more than €200 million. Funding in the organic sector has been increased to €11 million with a further €1.2 million for the sector's development. This €12.2 million is evidence of the Government's commitment to this important sector, and we await a high level group's completion of a strategy for the period up to 2025.

Finally, I am delighted to announce the increase by €800,000 in the allocation to the greyhound industry, bringing the total to €16.8 million. The Irish Greyhound Board earlier launched a strategic plan for 2018 to 2022, and I will shortly be introducing the greyhound regulation Bill to the Seanad. This will be published in the coming days and will provide a sound framework for improved governance and regulation in the greyhound industry.

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