Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the plight of the Burren programme in County Clare. This flagship farming and conservation scheme, which takes place on one of the most sensitive landscapes in the world, has been a win-win for farmers and the environment since its introduction. While the new agri-climate rural environment scheme, ACRES, will lead to better outcomes for farmers and the environment, it will also lead to a reduction in income for Clare farmers and farmers in the Burren area and in the Slieve Aughty area, in east Clare. This week, a deputation of Clare farmers met with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy McConalogue, and the Minister of State, Senator Hackett. It is important there is a positive outcome to those discussions. I ask the Tánaiste to publicly support the campaign for the continuation of the Burren programme. Will he give a commitment that he will speak to the Minister about it?

See this speech in context