Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is welcome. I thank him for coming in to discuss this important topic. I believe the agricultural sector wants to make changes and ensure it can perform in the most environmentally friendly ways. We must remember that the changes we are expecting are big. For the sector to make these appropriate changes, the targets must be realistic and supports must be offered. I know the Minister and the Department have been offering many supports. I acknowledge, as my colleagues have, the engagement that the Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Heydon, have had with people on the Common Agricultural Policy and the work they have put into it. That is important. To address the interests of the agricultural sector and the targets it has to meet, all must be involved. We must involve farmers, researchers, the Department, industry, policymakers and advisory bodies. Education is also important. During the past two years, many farmers have been attending online courses and learning other ways to do things. We must build on that, going forward.

Senator Murphy mentioned clover. On a visit to Grange in County Meath, I learned that people there are researching clover and its advantages. That is being rolled out across the country. Teagasc is doing wonderful work in terms of research and innovation, and I compliment it on that.

An enormous budget has been put in place for CAP. The 2023-2027 plan was recently sent to Europe. I compliment the Department on the work that went into that.

Senator Malcolm Byrne raised the importation of peat. That is having a knock-on effect on horticulturists and people who grow plants. Those people are having to import peat and the costs involved are considerable. It is something that needs to be looked at. We must support our own farmers.