Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Burke has put his finger on the outstanding challenge as regards the work we have to do in agriculture and farming to make sure the progress we have seen across many other areas of the agrifood sector is reflected at farm level and we start to see a higher proportion of women taking up the role of farm holder and farming within the farm gates. If you call a vet to your farm, it is now likely that a female vet will arrive because we have seen more women than men coming through veterinary colleges. There are now more women than men in many practices. In going to the agricultural colleges, I also see very strong representation of women in many of the different courses in agriculture and the food sector. Making that change as regards women taking their rightful place as farm holders, farm owners and farmers is a slower process but it is one I am committed to pushing forward as Minister. That is why I have taken that step regarding the 60% grant aid to support female farmers under the capital investment scheme. We need to look at taking every step we possibly can to deal with what has been a cultural challenge in this country over the years. The son or nephew was always preferred over a daughter or niece when deciding who would take over a farm.

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