Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. On the latter point, the industry is particularly aware of domestic and global consumer interest in a carbon-efficient production system. We are at an advanced stage in the implementation of the climate action plan that has been approved by this House and the Government. Ireland is a global leader in these industries. Along with their counterparts in New Zealand, Irish farmers are recognised as the most carbon-efficient dairy producers. I see no reason that we should sacrifice the industry on an altar of ambition. There is a global demand for the product. Why should we dismantle a dairy sector that is highly carbon-efficient? There is no doubt that we can improve. We do not need to dismantle the ambition. We need to make sure that we are global leaders in terms of carbon per kilogram of output, whether the product is dairy, beef, pork or tillage. We must ensure that our product is setting the global example of how efficient an industry can be.

Regarding supermarkets, as Deputy McEntee knows, we have undertaken public consultation on unfair trading practices. This is the vehicle by which we will transpose the directive into domestic law by May 2021. That is how we will protect consumers and provide financial support for the horticulture sector.

It is important not to forget that we have domestic supports for the beef industry. There is approximately €85 million in funding for schemes this year, including an additional €20 million for the beef environmental efficiency scheme. I urge Members who are concerned about the sector to encourage people to apply. We have about 12,000 applications at the moment. The closing date is 15 May. That scheme offers up to €8,000 in income supports per suckler farm. That should not be dismissed. It has been revised to take account of the pilot experience and has been welcomed by all farm organisations.

Regarding Deputy Burke's points on TAMS, we have acknowledged the difficulty arising from the planning process and are now accepting applications without planning approval, though planning approval will need to be submitted before approval will issue. We are trying to tweak our schemes as we become aware of particular problems.

We accept that there is a gap in the availability of working capital for farmers. One of the ways we can address that requires a legislative fix.

We are doing all of the other preparatory work under the assumption that in due course, hopefully before too long, there will be a possibility of a legislative fix being approved by the Houses of the Oireachtas. On the point about further engagement with the European Union, I will have a bilateral engagement with the Commissioner by telephone next week to progress further the campaign that we have to deliver additional supports. We are continuing with that. I concur wholeheartedly with the matter relating to farm safety. We are in the beginning of the silage season. There are more kids around farmyards and more people walking and cycling on country roads while social distancing. Let us all send a message to be extremely careful. We have had too many accidents already. Pedestrian accidents on our roads are already double what they were by this time last year. Considering the horror of children on farms with heavy machinery during silage season, we can all help to convey that message.

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