Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that but ask the Acting Chairman to bear with me for ten seconds. We must ensure those farmers are supported in the new CAP funding that is to be earmarked for smaller farmers. It could be argued that smaller farmers are leaving or under-using the land but we must encourage small farmers to stay in the sector. The proposed supports in the CAP for younger farmers are very welcome but unfortunately there are no proposals for the 5 million farmers who are retiring across Europe or who anticipate leaving agriculture in the coming months and years. We should fight for a retirement package for some of the older farmers who may want to leave. That might encourage them to do so and bring in more young farmers to the land, especially to the poorer holdings. I am sure my colleague will touch on that. We will not press this amendment because it would be wrong to divide the House on something as important as the CAP. We would rather work with the Minister and his officials and with the Department and colleagues to try to get the best outcome for Ireland.