Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Senator on the 2% for generation renewal. Consultations are ongoing but it is certainly not sufficient to address what is a crisis in farming. Generational renewal is a vital concern for farm families and it is a challenging issue. Inheritance and farm transfers are complex. I have highlighted the vital and substantial support provided through the taxation system for generational renewal. Additional supports include €159 million for agriculture relief for 1,413 participants, €27.2 million for 10,820 beneficiaries under long-term leasing relief, €41.9 million for stamp duty exemption for 2,733 participants and €1.2 million for stock relief for 420 young trained farmers. Supports must be targeted at key challenges. Access to credit is often cited as a concern for young farmers. Loans under the future growth loan scheme are unsecured, which makes it a viable source of finance for young and new entrant farmers, particularly those who do not have high levels of security.

It is my intention that the new CAP and strategic plan will continue to focus on strategic requirements and the CAP consultative committee, which considers all matters concerning new CAP proposals, has broad membership providing for ongoing consultation. I acknowledge the concerns raised this morning and it is important they have been raised. I will certainly work with my colleagues. The Department is in negotiations on the new CAP strategic plan in Ireland. We believe that there are wider issues regarding generational supports but it is also about ensuring farmers feel they have a viable future in rural Ireland. This is what we want to achieve.