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Seanad
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Areas of natural constraint

Summary

Senator Cosgrove sought a debate on areas of natural constraint, saying farming conditions vary and asking whether the payment could be restored.

All of us were probably at the IFA briefing yesterday. When they gave us the briefing document I saw that it was exactly the same as the one last year and I wondered whether it had got anything it looked for. I was told not really, apart perhaps with regard to areas of natural constraint. I would like a debate on these, which affect farmers where I live. Is there any possibility we could have debate on this? As we all know, farming is different in different areas of the country. The areas of natural constraint payment was taken away in 2008 and we are wondering whether it could be restored to that level. Generational renewal is another area that was also raised. It is difficult, particularly for the farmers I met yesterday from Sligo and Leitrim, who are not full-time farmers. They work part time because we do not all have land like there is in the Golden Vale down in Cork. Could we have a specific discussion or debate on farming in various areas in the country? I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for fitting me in and I wish everyone the best for the summer. The work is only starting now.

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