Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The first suggestion I have is that the Minister would end the discrimination, regardless of its motivation. I believe the times are gone when a farmer would leave his farm to his eldest son regardless of whether he wanted it, or indeed would leave it to a son over a daughter. Most farmers now are relieved if any of their children are interested in farming, or, if they have no child, any nieces or nephews are interested in farming. That can be a relief to them because it is a difficult life and it is not very profitable. Obviously, farming is hugely profitable in the dairy sector but that faces its own challenges. With the rest of farming, I suggest that commensurate to the hours that people work, there are far better incomes to be obtained elsewhere. Most farmers are very relieved if any of their children are interested in farming, or any successor is interested in farming. I think the days of primogeniture or leaving it to the eldest son are well and truly over. That is a good thing. Of course I welcome that the Department is bringing people together to discuss this, but maybe it is coming a little late. Farmers have moved on, frankly.

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