Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will share my time with Deputy Peter Burke and the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee.

The Minister is well aware of the challenges facing farming and the agricultural sector throughout this Covid-19 crisis. Never before has there been such a focus on the importance of food security. It is important that the general population does not take our top quality food production for granted.

There is a financial strain on farmers, as there is on all sectors of business. Successive Fine Gael Governments looked to agriculture and tourism to drive and lead the way out of the previous recession. Farmers were not found wanting then and they will not be found wanting in the recession and with regard to the challenges we face in the economy in the future. To be able to drive and lead again, farmers need to be supported throughout this time of crisis. I support the Minister's efforts to get national and European support, particularly for areas such as the beef sector given the challenges it faces.

With regard to the exceptional measures, the beef scheme has a deadline of 15 May. What is the level of take-up with that scheme and what is the position with the application process? I take this opportunity to encourage my constituents - farmers in counties Kildare and Laois - to apply to the scheme sooner rather than later because it would strengthen our hand in seeking more funds if the scheme were oversubscribed.

On horse racing, particularly flat racing and the knock-on implications for the breeding sector, the sector is worth more than €1 billion to the economy. The Ceann Comhairle will be well aware of how important it is to many rural areas. Horses are only two or three years old once. There is a knock-on effect on the breeding sector. We need to put our best foot forward with the team in Horse Racing Ireland, HRI, even if it means operating behind closed doors in a safe way and protecting the staff.

In terms of horticulture, Bloom at Home is a Government initiative. The horticultural sector has had a tough time. We talk about the mental health benefits of people being able to garden. Some easing of restrictions in that area and in the areas of farmers' markets and allotments, which were mentioned earlier, will be important. I will leave it at that.

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