Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ba mhaith liom, ar son muintir na hÉireann agus feirmeoirí na hÉireann go háirithe, buíochas agus comhghairdeachas a ghabháil leis an Aire as an obair mhór a rinne sé ar ár son i dtaobh an Comhbheartas Talmhaíochta. It was a great achievement to have been able to sort out the Common Agricultural Policy during our Presidency. It went a long way towards restoring our reputation in Europe.

I particularly welcome the initiative which has led to 2% of the total CAP budget being allocated in the form of premiums for young farmers. We need people involved in farming and we also need generational transfers. In addition, those in the sector must have the enthusiasm to develop their farms.

It is extremely important that the livestock sector should be supported. In that context, I welcome the measures introduced in the budget to assist suckler cow and sheep farmers. This sector of agriculture is worth €5.7 billion to the economy. It is important that the farmers who operate in it be given support in order that national herd numbers will not decline. The CAP allows for coupling of up to 8%. It may be intended to use coupling for that purpose but taking another 8% out of the budget for the purpose of making headage payments may be too much for other sectors to bear. I suggest that some Exchequer funds may be required in this regard. It might be better to restrict the figure for coupling to between 3% and 5%, with the balance being made up by the Exchequer. I would welcome the Minister's opinion on this.

In the aftermath of the foot and mouth disease crisis that occurred early in the last decade, farmers in the Cooley area of County Louth have been working very hard to build up their herds and to ensure the quality of their animals. The Cooley sheep show and sale is held every August and I invite the Minister to attend next year's event. He would be most welcome----