Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

While I apologise for touching a nerve, reality sometimes forces us to think of important issues, including farming. We should reflect on the past if we are to look to the future. As Senator O'Donovan indicated, substantial funding has been made available to agriculture since 2002. In 1995, when this funding was not available, schemes were cut and many applicants, including young people, suffered. Let us consider the motion in context. Members of the public are aware of what took place in 1995. Let us appreciate the position in which we find ourselves. The budget supports many of the schemes next year. While the Minister is willing to consider specific elements, I welcome the progress made in agriculture in recent years.