Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)

I disagree. Some help should be provided.

The Minister mentioned the transport regulations which are welcome. We must have regulations in this area. It is right and proper that farmers should use proper trailers with slurry control tanks and properly weigh loading stock. For too long farmers queued up for marts with inadequate trailers which destroyed streets in our towns and villages. The new transport regulations should work well.

The Minister deserves credit on the nitrates derogation. Not too long ago, people said it would not nor could not happen, but she has delivered on it. The agreement will help and allow more farmers to go into REPS. With regard to slurry spreading, I have sympathy with farmers on the closing date. We mentioned wet weather, but the weather could have stayed wet for longer and farmers could have had full tanks that they could not have spread. This would have left them without the option of taking in extra stock or of keeping their stock indoors. When farmers get used to the new dates, they will make a better effort and contractors will ensure they spread the slurry when the silage is cut. Over the next year or so, farmers should come on side in this regard, although over the first year or two there may be some problems. In the event of a farmer erring by a day or two, the heavy hand should not be used.

I support the retirement scheme. There was a problem with the first retirement scheme introduced because after a few years, it was of little use to farmers. With regard to the farmers who took up that scheme and allowed their sons or daughters to take over the running of their farms, they are now at a stage where their holding is due to transfer to their sons or daughters. It is very important that some tax incentive is put in place to assist in these transfers. I compliment farmers who took the decision to allow their sons or daughters to take over their farms. Great credit is due to them. More farmers will now take this option because of the improved pensions. Land values have gone through the roof and this may lead to some capital gains problems. We should look at this issue carefully where a transfer is being made directly to a son, daughter or relative.

On the issue of the beet growers, they now have the opportunity to go into tillage. Those who sowed corn, barley or wheat this year did well as nothing has been left unused. Prices are high and anybody who went into grain this year could have made good money. I believe the beet farmers will move into this area.

We welcome the improvements in grant aid for agriculture. Farming must be competitive and we must encourage more young farmers into the industry. The production of top quality produce is essential for development and a continued future for farming.