Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I support the arguments made by various speakers regarding the farming industry and the various price support mechanisms from Brussels. Those of us who attended the various meetings yesterday with the agriculture organisations which called upon politicians noted the sense of despair that is now prevalent in Irish agriculture. It is over 12 months since I called for us to initiate a series of debates about the future of Irish farming. The problem was serious at that stage but it is now even more serious.

Statistics clearly show that unfortunately, young people are leaving farming. If we want to ensure there is a productive and viable Irish agriculture sector, we must ensure that young people see a future in it. There must be political leadership on this issue. It is not simply a question of trying to agree a set of financial packages at EU level. The Government and the political leadership must show a strong renewed interest in the future of Irish agriculture. We must demonstrate to young farmers that they can have a future and a future livelihood in farming. This House could play a valuable role and I ask the Leader to set up a series of discussions so we can initiate real debate on the future direction of Irish farming and the role of young people in agriculture.