Sarah O'Reilly (Aontú)

Two weeks ago, an online survey commissioned by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on providing supports for the forgotten farmers closed. Like many others, I welcomed the allocation of €5 million in the 2025 budget to support the men and women who, due to restrictions in agricultural policy and administrative delays at the time and through no fault of their own, were denied access to crucial support and entitlements. The survey to establish the number of farmers who missed out on agriculture supports was a positive step but it must be implemented with a sense of urgency. The Government needs to address farmers who set up in farming before 2008. That is 17 years of hard-working farmers trying to make a living but being unable to access key CAP supports.

The online survey is a first step after 17 years but there is still no sense of urgency. Many of these farmers have been campaigning for over a decade. They are ageing, disillusioned and weary of promises that have never been fulfilled. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. We do not need another prolonged consultation or an extended review process. We need action. I call on the Minister for agriculture to ensure that this survey is assessed without delay and that the results are published before the summer recess.The eligibility criteria must be finalised quickly, and payments should begin as early as possible, namely this year. Anything less will be a continuation of the injustice these farmers have endured for too long. It is the very least they deserve for their contributions to Irish agriculture and for their continued perseverance in the face of persistent inaction.