Teresa Costello (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish the Minister well in his role. I welcome this discussion on Ireland's national plan under the Common Agricultural Policy and its implications for our agrifood sector. The agrifood sector remains the backbone of our economy, comprising 173,000 jobs and accounting for 10% of Irish exports. This sector is not only critical to our economy but also central to our rural communities, where our farmers are the social, economic and cultural pillars. Our farmers are world-class food producers and their dedication to excellence is a testament to the strength of Irish agriculture.

Fianna Fáil is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a thriving agricultural and agrifood sector. We want Irish agriculture to be a world leader in innovation, sustainability and value, ensuring that our farmers and their families can thrive for generations to come. Strengthening farm incomes is an absolute priority, with 130,000 family farms across the country. We will continue to support vital sectors such as suckler, beef, dairy, sheep, pig, poultry, tillage, horticulture and organics. Equally, we will protect and expand vital farm schemes that ensure these sectors remain strong and resilient. We understand that the challenges facing our farmers are complex, but we are committed to supporting them through every policy lever available. We will ensure essential farm payments are protected and, wherever possible, expanded to meet the evolving needs of our farming communities.

I acknowledge the farmers in my constituency in Bohernabreena. Sometimes it surprises people when farming and Dublin are mentioned in the same sentence. A huge issue they face is trouble getting planning on their own land. This prevents them from operating effectively. I am aware of some farmers who live a 25-minute drive away from their farms. We can imagine the issues that causes. It suffocates their progression.

The current CAP programme in Ireland provides €9.8 billion over its term from 2023 to 2027. It is a critical resource in supporting farm incomes and ensuring the sustainability of the sector. As Ireland prepares to hold the EU Presidency in 2026, this will be a moment of huge significance. Protecting our farmers will remain a top priority as we continue to engage on the next iteration of CAP. My party believes a well-funded CAP is essential to supporting farm incomes, ensuring food security and contributing meaningfully to broader EU objectives. These include tackling climate change, promoting biodiversity and driving innovation in the agriculture sector. We are committed to working closely with farmers, stakeholders and partners to ensure CAP continues to deliver for Ireland's agricultural future. We will stand firm in ensuring the future of our agriculture industry, strengthening its competitiveness and resilience on the global stage.