I recently had a very interesting meeting with the chairperson of Wexford Macra na Feirme, Clíona O'Leary, and Sean O'Brien. We had a lengthy discussion on a wide range of subjects but high on their agenda was the issue of succession. Will the Minister update us on the status of a clear succession scheme to encourage and support the transition of the managerial role to the younger farmer? What are our plans to deliver a comprehensive national generational renewal strategy and to act on the commission on generational renewal's report to deal with ageing within farming? There is currently a three-year requirement for succession farm partnerships. This is seen to be acting as a barrier to farm transfers rather than as an incentive. I have no doubt that the concerns of the Wexford Macra representatives are replicated throughout farms across Ireland. Young people are the future of Irish farming. It is essential that there are clear succession plans in place.

I thank Deputy Brennan for raising this point and for his engagement with Macra in Wexford. We deal with Macra and with all of the farm organisations across the board. Generational renewal is one of those key issues that are at the forefront of my mind in every decision I make as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. It is not just about one scheme at the end, although it is my ambition to include generational renewal schemes as part of the new CAP, should we be able to design it in that way. Right now, I am implementing the 31 recommendations of the commission on generational renewal. In developing last year's budget, I had asks in respect of supports for elements of generational renewal. On the tax side, the Tánaiste and I have discussed existing schemes that can be improved and how we can work together to address issues in this area. Generational renewal was foremost in my mind when I was negotiating an extension to the nitrates derogation last year, when I was implementing a new bovine TB action plan and when I was looking at additional supports in the area of TAMS. I want to continue to put record amounts of money into TAMS because that capital investment supports farmers taking over farms. Generational renewal is a key priority for me and for the Government. Working with colleagues across Government, I hope to be able to continue to make progress and deliver in this area.