Rose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

One minute is not enough. An income of €3,000 annually is the reality and that is why farm incomes have decreased by 40%. The average amount of direct payment paid to these small farms was €5,500 as compared with an average payment of €15,500 paid to larger farms. In addition, 35% of small farms were deemed as vulnerable by Teagasc.

I wish to make a few suggestions and shall start with CAP reform. A more equitable distribution of farm payments must be put in place to tackle the imbalance that exists between the west and east of Ireland. A proposal to front-load payments for the first 20 hectares should be considered as most farms fall into this category.

In 2015, the national reserve scheme was introduced and was successful in encouraging young trained farmers. However, since then uncertainty has reigned and there has been huge inequity, particularly for small farms. Will the national reserve fund be opened this year?

In terms of areas of natural constraint, ANC, payments, I have heard some of the Minister's colleagues call for areas to be extended. That is not possible. I welcome the €25 million extra that has been made available. When will the maps be produced for these areas? The level of constraint in these areas must reflect the payment and we need to see the maps as soon as possible.

I hope it will not be long before the Minister returns because the agricultural industry is of huge concern. The sector needs to be forward-looking and productive. We must also have a proper informed discussion on CAP reform.