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

Small suckler and sheep farmers and small dairymen in Kerry are concerned about rumours relating to the negotiations on the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, and fear that their payments could be cut by one third and that money would be directed to eco schemes. They are worried that many farmers will not even qualify for those schemes and that much of the funding would go to administration. Subsidy payments from the EU are, and were supposed to be, compensation for farmers for producing cheaper food for the consumers of Europe. Payments are not a gift. Eco schemes, it appears to many, are to satisfy dreams, paralyse farmers and deprive them of finance they badly need.

The cost of feeding and fertiliser is another issue. Another issue is dog control in places like Shrone. Walkers with dogs that are not tied up are worrying sheep in those places.

I also support the calls for felling licences to be speeded up and pay for the horticulture sector.

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