Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach very much indeed. The Minister of State is very welcome and I thank him for coming here to debate this all-important topic.

We are all concerned about climate but one thing that I am very concerned about and on which I am hearing from some farmers is that they are looking for a clear pathway as to what supports and grants are available to them in respect of climate resilience. Farmers have been through a turbulent time between Covid-19, Brexit prior to that, and now with the crisis and war between Russia and Ukraine. They have had to deal with a great deal in recent years.

My concern is to ask the Minister of State to outline, first, what supports are being put in place. On the different grants and supports, will there be a go-to person like a one-stop-shop, where farmers can go for support and to ask questions? One size does not fit all when it comes to farming because there are big and small firms. The grants and supports and any directives that are coming have to be tailored to meet the needs of the farm.

While I know that this cannot be done on an individual basis, there needs to be separate criteria for smaller farmers compared with the larger farmers. Sometimes the larger farmers may have the resources and it may be easier for them to carry out the necessary works whereas some of the smaller farmers are under a great deal of financial pressure. This is something that certainly needs to be highlighted.

I am interested then in hearing what supports and measures are being put in place to support farmers, be they small or large, and whether there will be a one-stop-shop. At this time, especially, they need our support more than ever. I know that Teagasc and the different farm advisory groups are carrying out very important work but there has to be an open door of communication with the Irish Farmers Association, IFA, and the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, ICMSA, also. I thank the Minister of State and look forward to hearing his response.