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

I appreciate that. We are now well into 2024. We need consultation on how we get to that point and ensure that what is in the strategy comes to fruition, in particular for family farms. My father would not mind me saying he is not very old - he is in his early 60s. I have two brothers farming, and for them the future is uncertain. My father would not have thought that even ten years ago, but the picture has changed a great deal. I meet many of farmers who one would expect to speak about various schemes and income but who instead are talking about the future. We need to make sure that if the strategy is the only way forward, it is implemented and there is ongoing consultation with farm organisations, in particular the likes of Macra na Feirme, and the next generation on the future of family farms because it is important that we protect and sustain them.

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