Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I know that strategy is there but in recent months, particularly in the past year, I have found that when I meet with farmers, they do not just talk about the schemes, income and viability. They are talking about their sons or daughters who have emigrated or the fact that they are wondering whether they should encourage their sons or daughters on to their farms in the first place. In the previous generation, it was standard that a son or daughter would take on the family farm. There was no question about it. We are at a point where the next generation is not guaranteed and there does not seem to be the feeling out there that what is in the strategy as outlined is enough to secure the future of our family farms, particularly when it comes to generational renewal and the significant challenge climate action will be for many farmers. We need to secure our agricultural sector, particularly family farms. The Minister knows that some farmers are closing their gates, so I ask him to consider taking another look at my Bill.

See this speech in context