Seanad debates
Wednesday, 12 February 2003
Fischler Proposals for Agriculture: Motion.
The Minister said there were record numbers of young people in farming. I know otherwise. I spoke recently to a graduate of a course in an agricultural college. Out of a total of 28 graduates who received diplomas, only four or five intended to actively pursue careers in farming. There have been many incentives in the private sector in recent years. One of the major benefits of the Celtic tiger was a phenomenal rate of growth in terms of jobs expansion and expansion in employment in general. This has led to younger farmers being attracted to industries where they can work under more humane conditions. They can work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or do a number of 12 hour shifts and leave the workplace. It would not be correct to state, therefore, that there are a record number of young people on the land. There might be record numbers doing courses in the colleges which will allow them have a more professional and expert command of the farm being handed down to them but it does not necessarily mean that they will pursue careers in farming.
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