Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In A Programme for a Partnership Government, the section on agriculture and the marine begins on page 112 and it goes on until page 124. Agriculture and the marine are in one Department with one Minister in charge of it. I am not being critical of the Minister but with Brexit coming, be it hard or soft, agriculture needs a strong, stand-alone Minister as do the fisheries, preferably a Minister from a coastal community. Post Brexit, the livelihoods of many families could be in danger in both agriculture and fisheries. Both industries face challenges and need to each be represented by a Minister going forward. Will this Government divide the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine into two independent Departments with a Minister in charge of each in the interests of both industries?

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