Gillian Toole (Meath East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I hope so. Gabhaim búiochas leis an gCeann Comhairle agus an Aire. I intend to share time with my colleague and therefore I have cut my cloth appropriately, so indulge me.

My background is in healthcare, and a maxim of healthcare is "Let food be your medicine". In these times, food production and security, farm families and appropriate balanced land use are of paramount importance to Ireland. We live in a time of increasing ultraprocessed food, chronic diseases and climate challenges from increasing production and globalisation. These challenges require the ability to adapt and change course quickly. In that context, will there be an interim CAP review before 2027 in order that Ireland can pivot, if necessary, in the face of these challenges?

The solutions to these challenges lie within Irish agriculture, practised and lived by Irish farm families. Their future depends on balanced regional development. A subject I have raised here through other mechanisms is the land use review phase 2 and what stage it is at.

We are very much aware of the proliferation and necessity of renewable energy production, particularly solar. In my county of Meath, particularly south-east Meath, we have an unregulated and disproportionate development of what are called solar farms but what I would call solar industrial development. I am not against renewables, but vis-à-vis the point about balance, excellent tillage land is no longer being used for cereal production. It is now under solar. Balanced land use is essential for food production.

It is also essential that we have continuous consultation with the producers and farm families. On diversification and rotation of crops, our history of famine reminds us of the importance of diversification, but if we do not have the land use review and that segregation made known, we are into dodgy territory.

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