Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the announcement by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, this morning relating to what can be termed the "old young farmers". A meeting was held by such farmers in Athlone last week and further meetings are planned throughout the country. These farmers have been left out in many ways. They started farming in 2008-09 but were not in a position to apply to the national reserve for quota going forward. The Minister has now made provision for these farmers. They will be able to apply to the national reserve now and will be treated the very same as young farmers which is very good news.