A commitment was given in the programme for Government to assist the agriculture industry and farmers, especially young farmers. The aim was to lower the age profile of the farming community and revitalise the sector. Before Christmas, Teagasc made a request to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for assistance to deal with the backlog of 3,600 young farmers who are seeking places in agricultural colleges to get green certificate qualifications. On top of this, no young farmer got an entitlement from the national reserve in 2016. What are we going to do to assist the young farming community and revitalise this sector? These young fellows are trying to get going but they are down on their knees.

I am pleased that in recent years we have seen great involvement from young men and women to attain qualifications and green certificates in the farming business. This is evidence of a realisation that Ireland is one of the leaders in the production of quality food and food of integrity, which we export. These matters are relevant to the Common Agricultural Policy. Teagasc representatives make their views known vociferously. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Minister are keen to see that young farmers get every assistance possible to enable them to get into the farming business. The Department also is keen to give them supports to start and to be able to compete and make a career out of it. The matter is under constant review.