On a day when thousands of farmers are coming to Dublin to protest about new measures, it is important that we have a discussion on the whole rural development programme, particularly the GLAS programme. From consultation with farmers over the weekend since the details of the scheme were announced, I have found that most small farmers, particularly those all along the west coast, will not be able to participate in the scheme. Over the years, we have seen the benefits of rural development and environmental schemes for the countryside.

It is important that we have a debate, resolve this problem and allow the smaller farmers to join the schemes.