Seanad debates
Wednesday, 1 October 2025
Agricultural Sector: Motion
2:00 am
Paraic Brady (Fine Gael)
I move:
That Seanad Éireann: acknowledges:- the importance of agriculture to rural Ireland and the Irish economy;notes:
- the thousands of jobs in farming, agriculture and food production sectors;
- the dependency in many years on the weather to profits in farming;
- the importance of food security to a growing world population;
- the key role that the Common Agriculture Payment plays in Irish farming;
- the importance of the nitrates derogation to Irish farming, particularly dairying;
- the establishment of the Cabinet subcommittee on water quality;
- the research role of Teagasc and promotional role of Bord Bia to assist in developing Irish agriculture;- the recent publication of the Bovine TB Action Plan;calls on the Government to:
- the recent negotiation of the Mercosur free trade agreement;
- the European Commission proposals for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MMF);
- the establishment of the scheme to recognise ‘Forgotten Farmers’;
- the commitments to agriculture in the Programme for Government; and- continue to invest in farming and rural Ireland;
- engage proactively on the MMF to secure the best deal for Irish agriculture;
- continue to engage in the development of new markets for Irish food products;
- act on the recommendations of the Commission on Generational Renewal;
- continue to do everything possible to secure Ireland’s nitrates derogation in recognition of our pasture based farming system;
- proceed with introducing planning exemptions to increase slurry storage;
- address the particular challenges in the Irish tillage sector at present;
- increase scheme supports for the suckler, beef and sheep sectors;
- support the Areas of Natural Constraints to farmers in marginal areas and on designated lands;
- support capital investments in the poultry and pig sectors to improve animal health and welfare;
- increase capital investment in horticulture and continue to invest in organics and in traditional farm buildings.
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