Martin Heydon
Kildare South · Fine Gael · Ireland
“In the time allotted to us, I would say we will not be able to cover everything in CAP. To take the last point first, the budget is everything. While it is not part of my negotiations as chair of the AGRIFISH Council, it is a key focus of the Irish Presidency.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this important point. A key focus of Food Vision 2030, the shared stakeholder-led strategy for the agrifood sector, is to grow the value of Irish agrifood exports in international markets, which, as I outlined earlier, we have been very successful at in recent years.”
“All producers selling raw milk must register with my Department and are subject to risk-based official controls that include inspection, audit and sampling.”
“Whether it is farmers with particular issues that are leading to environmental issues or issues with structures that need to be replaced, we are very lucky to have capital support in agriculture. I really believe in our TAMS structure.”
“I was delighted to be able to introduce the tillage sustainability support scheme earlier this year. I have not been found wanting in standing up and supporting a tillage sector that has been under pressure in recent times. The same applies to horticulture.”
“Following the publication of the report, I wrote to the chairperson of the board on 22 June 2026, requesting that the board develop a timely and effective action plan to address the recommendations in the report, and I will be seeking regular updates on its progress. I want to see these recommendations implemented and progressed.”
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“I thank the Deputy. The climate action plan has provided a pathway for reducing our land use, land use change and forestry emissions since 2021 and commits to the implementation of reduced management intensity on a portion of Ireland’s drained organic soils. This is a relatively new area of work in Ireland, with much uncertainty and complexity. If we are to reduce emissions from drained peat soils, it is important we consider how this might be achieved. Those at the workshop referenced by Deputy Aird included people involved in projects with expertise of working with farmers in this area, including the European Innovation Partnership programmes, ACRES co-operation and the LIFE projects. There is no question of imposing solutions on farmers. Addressing this challenge will require a national approach involving all stakeholders.”
“I reassure Deputy Aird that I understand the concerns he has highlighted. They are valid concerns, particularly in the light of media reports. I reassure him that this is a process that is absolutely as he would expect it to be, as we scope out and get the learning from farmers' experiences of previous locally led projects. This will help inform any key discussions we have with all the key stakeholders.”
“Proposals would never be agreed without being put to farm organisations for consultation and engagement. Ultimately, I am the senior Minister in the Department of agriculture and I will make decisions after that consultation and taking on board all those points. That will not happen without having engaged with the farm organisations, the environmental pillar and all the key stakeholders who have skin in the game. I will work with them but I will make sure we are making an informed decision. That is what these workshops are about. It is making sure that any decisions we make are informed. It was always intended that, as this work progressed, there would be opportunities for engagement, discussion and input by farmers, farm organisations, the environmental pillars and all other stakeholders.”
“There are 4,000 people working in the Department of agriculture. Meetings happen every day of the week and farmers' organisations are not always at them. They are about scoping out and getting key learnings to inform an approach that is taken and to ensure that when I am looking to make financial decisions and put proposals to farm organisations and engage with them on it, I will have clear information on what the experiences have been on the ground. There is nothing sinister here. There is nothing untoward. It is absolutely the type of work that should be happening with my officials and key practitioners who are engaging and working with farmers and getting their experience back in order that we can make informed decisions when the time comes.”
“It is in the programme for Government, and it is a commitment which Deputy Aird voted for and I will uphold. He has my word on that. I want to be clear from the outset that my two guiding principles are the voluntary and well-funded elements of this. If some farmers decide to adopt measures that involve low-intensity management of their ground, it will be because they have chosen to do so, and that will be fine too. There are also initiatives at different levels. Deputy Aird talked about the workshop that was referenced in media reports last week. There was an exploratory workshop that happened to consider this. That meeting was about was the experience of practitioners who had worked directly with farmers on the likes of EIPs and locally led projects. It is absolutely appropriate that those meetings happen.”
“As custodians of the land, farmers will be central to delivering on those targets. Nothing will be achieved in this area without their buy-in and support. I reassure Deputy Aird that farmers will not be dictated to while I am in this position. There will absolutely be engagement and transparency all along the way. Ultimately, my Department is examining the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through reduced management intensity of grasslands on drained organic soils. This work is at an early stage and any potential future actions from this analysis will be entirely voluntary. I cannot be any clearer than that. Anything farmers want to do here, they will only do it if they want to and if they are financially incentivised to do it. It is voluntary.”
“I acknowledge Deputy Aird's first contribution in the Dáil. It is a great honour and privilege to have him as a colleague here. We first served together on a regional health forum with the HSE back when were we councillors. To be serving with the Deputy here now is a great honour and I look forward to working with him. I do not doubt his passion in representing the people of Laois but also representing those in the agricultural community, which he has raised here as well. I am absolutely committed to working to improve the economic, social and environmental sustainability of family farms. The issue Deputy Aird has raised is an emotive one, and I want to reassure farmers who work with peat soils. Land use has a key role to play in the achievement of our climate targets.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. To reassure her, the Government cannot be any clearer on our position in relation to the Mercosur proposals. We clearly outlined it in our programme for Government. In two-and-a-half hours of debate here in the Dáil last Thursday, I discussed it at length and put clearly on the record of this House our concerns and our opposition to that in that forum and how we are working with other like-minded countries who share those concerns as well. I have raised it in Brussels out at AGFIS Council meetings, as has the Tánaiste in his role of trade. We continue to work with like-minded countries that share those concerns.”
“This is a sector supported by a programme for Government that recognises its critical importance and its potential. It is modern and dynamic sector with roots in the domestic economy but an economic footprint right across the world. I look forward to working closely with all those who have a stake in it to deliver on its potential to continue making an enormous contribution to the Irish State. I look forward to working with all Members of this House to get the very best outcome for the agriculture sector in the term ahead.”
“Ireland will strongly support this proposition. I look forward to discussing the vision with agriculture and food Commissioner, Christophe Hansen, and my fellow ministers at the AGRIFISH Council in Brussels next Monday, and to working closely with stakeholders in Ireland over the next few years on the future direction of CAP. I am optimistic about the future of the agrifood sector. This sector has a central role to play as food producers, employers, a foundation of sustainable rural communities, protectors of the environment and the guarantors of food security in Europe and the world. We need to restore pride in our farmers, fishers and foresters. We must acknowledge their proud legacy and recognise the essential role they play in building a sustainable Ireland for future generations.”
“It acknowledges the important contribution that agriculture makes to competitiveness, innovation and rural development across the EU. It recognises the essential role of agriculture in the context of the EU’s climate action and environmental protection objectives. Perhaps most importantly, it recognises that food security is fundamental to the EU’s economic security and should never be taken for granted. There will be extraordinary pressure on the EU’s multi-annual financial framework, or overall budget, in the period after 2027. Member states are more concerned about defence than at any time since the foundation of the European Economic Community. I believe, however, that the Commissioner’s vision provides the basis of a strong argument for a robust and fully funded CAP in the next EU budget.”
“The group meets regularly to assess and monitor progress and will report shortly to the Food Vision high-level implementation committee. Achieving the necessary changes will take time, but this plan is a practical step towards a more inclusive, gender-aware future for the sector and one I am committed to progressing. I want to reflect on future policy at European Union level. Ireland will hold the Presidency of the European Union in the second half of 2026. This will be a critical juncture in the development of a Common Agricultural Policy for the period after 2027. The publication of the European Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food comes ahead of the publication of legislative proposals for a new CAP later in the year. Many of the themes I have touched on today are reflected in the document.”
“This commission is examining all aspects of this issue because it is a very complex space, with emotional and financial factors in play. Its aim is to ensure we make best use of the policy tools and other supports available to encourage young people into the sector. The commission will bring forward its report on potential options for the future by the end of June this year and this will form the basis for future policy development. Similarly, improving gender equality in our agrifood sector is essential to maintaining and building a strong agrifood sector. In 2024, the women in agriculture working group was established to oversee the implementation of a 12-point action plan arising from a national dialogue on women in agriculture.”
“The future of Irish agriculture depends on attracting the next generation of farmers. This is one thing I will passionately pursue over the coming years. I believe it must be a two-pronged approach. The older generation, who have given a lifetime to the sector and possess significant corporate knowledge, must be supported while viable pathways are created for young people to enter the sector. Nationally, there are strong taxation measures in place facilitating generational renewal and significant supports for young farmers under the CAP. However, the proportion of older farmers is still growing. While we already do a lot in this space, we need to do more. Last October, an independent commission on generational renewal in farming was established.”
“To date my Department has paid out more than €5.6 million under the straw incorporation measure, almost €9.7 million in protein aid and €32.4 million under the tillage and horticulture support scheme. These payments are a critical support for tillage and underline the importance of the sector to this Government. Today I am announcing a further €1.9 million in payments under the baling assistance payment, which was introduced in summer 2024 as a once-off measure to support tillage farmers to produce straw for bedding and fodder. While noting the excellent performance of our agrifood sector, we must be mindful of sustaining our farming sectors. There remains a challenge of attracting young people and new entrants into a career in farming. Ageing demographics in the farm sector are a widely recognised issue both nationally and at EU level.”
“We are dealing with a very live situation in this space at present. We have introduced a compulsory housing order, and I am urging all flock keepers and poultry farmers to observe the highest standards of biosecurity to help combat this threat. The tillage sector forms a critical part of the overall Irish agrifood ecosystem. Exports of cereals and cereal products, comprising almost 4% of total agrifood exports, amounted to more than €760 million in 2024. For cereals, there was a 25% increase in gross margins in 2024 compared with 2023 and overall increased margins due to increased support payments, price rises and reduced input costs. Margins are variable and crop specific. However, continued improvements are expected in 2025. I say this in the context of recognising how difficult the years 2023 and 2022 were.”
“Returning to the different sectors, Irish pigmeat exports exceeded €888 million in 2024. While the proportion of primary pigmeat exports destined for the UK and the EU has grown significantly, international market demand has declined in recent years. The sector returned to profitability in 2023 and 2024 following significant challenges in 2021 and 2022, and it is expected to continue to deliver profitability into 2025. Poultry exports were €292 million in 2024, accounting for 1.5% of total agrifood exports. A reduction in volumes exported is attributed to growth in domestic demand. The favourable view of poultry as a relatively low-cost, high-protein option is expected to support continued consumption globally into 2025. The rising risk of avian influenza is something that does greatly concern me.”
“EU farmers are subject to complex regulations requiring them to farm in a sustainable manner. It will be difficult to explain to EU and Irish farmers why preferential access is being given to Mercosur countries if we are not satisfied that its farmers are subject to the same requirements. I am committed to working with like-minded EU countries to stand up for Irish farmers and defend our interests in opposing the current Mercosur trade deal. A blocking minority of 35% of the EU population would be needed to prevent the Mercosur trade deal from going through, so acting alone, with our 5 million population, is not going to decide this. France is opposed, however, and Austria is in that space. What the likes of Italy and Poland do really matters, and that is why we continue to engage with those like-minded countries.”
“One issue that was raised with me repeatedly was the EU-Mercosur agreement. This is a particularly difficult issue for the Irish beef sector. I am in favour of free trade because it has been good for Ireland and Irish farmers in the context of exporting 90% of what we produce. In every trade deal, however, Ireland has consistently highlighted the need for a level playing field and that the EU-Mercosur agreement should include legally binding commitments on sustainability, including climate, biodiversity and deforestation protections. I raised these concerns directly with my counterparts across Europe at the AGRIFISH Council meeting on Monday, 27 January. At the heart of my opposition to this deal, beyond even the economic aspects, is the need for a consistency of approach.”
“Across both the beef and sheep sectors, supports provided by our Department include the national beef welfare scheme and suckler carbon efficiency programme, the sheep improvement scheme and the national sheep welfare scheme, and they all make an important contribution to farmers' incomes. We can only achieve a sustainable sector if the three legs of that sustainability stool - economic, social and environmental - are all in balance. Farmers cannot go green if they are in the red. That is why I am committed to supporting farm incomes. An increased Vote provision of €2.1 billion in 2025 will allow my Department to provide increased targeted supports for the beef, dairy beef and sheep sectors in 2025. In recent weeks, I have attended a number of farm organisation AGMs and met with a wide range of farmers.”
“Looking at the beef sector, Ireland exports close to 90% of the beef produced. Beef exports amounted to €3.1 billion in 2024 and accounted for 16% of total agrifood exports. Global market prices for beef were strong in 2024, and demand is expected to further increase in 2025, partially driven by positive consumer sentiment and tightening supply in other areas. In 2024, sheep meat accounted for €393 million in exports by value, with around 85% of Irish sheep meat exported to more than 30 markets. The EU market remains the primary outlet for Irish sheep meat, with France accounting for one third of all exports by value. Global demand is expected to exceed global supply in 2025.”
“I am confident, however, that the unprecedented engagement across the entire agrifood industry between my Department, farm bodies, industry and State agencies will all help drive improvements in our water data. Farmers throughout the country are already engaged in action to mitigate the impact of agriculture on water quality. The most recently published Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, data show significantly reduced nitrates concentrations in our rivers in the first half of last year. We need to see the same levels of commitment across all sectors, including wastewater treatment, and in the coming weeks a Cabinet committee on water quality, chaired by the Taoiseach, will sit for the first time. This will bring a whole-of-government approach to these issues and ensure farmers are not left to shoulder the burden alone.”
“Looking at the performance across some of our key farm production sectors, dairy, as our largest and most diversified agrifood category, serves 140 markets and accounts for 34% of Irish agrifood exports. Ireland is the eighth largest exporter of dairy globally, with 40% of produce exported destined for markets outside of the UK and the EU. The nitrates derogation is a major issue of concern for the sector. This Government will do everything in its power to retain the nitrates derogation. I am committed to advancing the best possible case to renew the nitrates derogation upon which so many farmers and surrounding sectors depend. I do not underestimate the challenge of this in circumstances where most member states do not avail of that derogation. There will be difficult choices and decisions to be made.”
“This work is being prioritised and it is my priority to have outstanding cases resolved as quickly as possible. Payment runs are taking place fortnightly and every case that gets cleared goes in for the next payment run within that 14-day period. It is vital that farmers' confidence in ACRES is restored with permanent solutions found to these issues so that they do not arise again in future payment runs. I have instructed officials in my Department to issue regular online updates over the coming period on the progress being made. Balancing payments in respect of farmers’ participation in the scheme in 2024 will commence as scheduled in May, and it is my determination that the majority of outstanding payments will be resolved by this point, with the most complex cases finalised in June at the latest.”
“Farmers are a resilient group and, like a lot of good business people, they can deal with most things that are thrown at them when they know what it is they are dealing with and when they know the timelines and impediments. That is what we must resolve. There are a number of issues affecting payments. As I delved into this in my first month in the role, I realised these include instances where farmers have applied to transfer their contracts, issues with regard to the submission of scorecards for the results-based payment, and the completion of outstanding IT functionality. Where the impediment is on our side in the Department, if extra resources are needed, I am very clear that they will be found and we will do everything we can to get this addressed as quickly as possible.”
“More than €428 million has issued to farmers in respect of their participation in ACRES to date. This includes advance payments of €182 million to 42,128 farmers in respect of their participation in the scheme in 2024. This figure represents just over 78% of all farmers in ACRES. It does, however, mean that just over 12,000 farmers are still awaiting their advance payment for 2024. Included in this cohort are 2,764 farmers who have still to receive their balancing payment from 2023. While they did receive an interim payment last year to acknowledge that, I acknowledge the significant frustration and challenges for those farmers who have not received clarity or who are awaiting payment.”
“According to the Teagasc outlook, the average family farm incomes in that year are expected to recover by 49% to €29,200, with all production systems represented trending positively. It is either wise or foolhardy that we would make predictions when it comes to agricultural prices, but the latest indications for 2025 from Teagasc are positive. Family farm income is forecast to rise by a further 22%, with increases driven mainly by improved output value. None of this implies that we should deny the challenges facing the sector. There are things we need to work on and address to ensure our sector continues to deliver for farmers, consumers and the economy. The agri-climate rural environment scheme, ACRES, and resolving the challenges farmers have faced with payments are top of my priority list.”
“For those with licences either in the system or yet to be submitted, the Department will prioritise these as we explore further options for a simplified approach, taking account of all EU environmental obligations. We must also be mindful that trees which have blown over have an economic value to the landowner. We want to assist them in realising that value. I and the Minister of State, Deputy Healy-Rae, remain committed to supporting the sector through this very difficult period and long into the future. Looking to animal and crop production, early estimates for output, costs of inputs and farm income in 2024 are favourable. After a difficult start to 2024, the most recent Teagasc estimates forecast an increase in farm incomes in 2024.”
“It is expected that a satellite imagery assessment being undertaken by my Department and Coillte on the private and public forest estates will be completed very shortly. This will give a more accurate picture of the scale of damage, which appears to be significantly greater than that of Storm Darwin in 2014, which was significant in itself. The satellite imagery and assessment of the scale of the damage will inform any future action to be taken. For those who already have a clearfell or thinning licence as well as a forest road licence, these may be used immediately to clear sites. Early figures that have come back from some private forestry companies indicate that more than 50% of forests that have been damaged already have a felling licence.”
“While still below the EU-27 average, forest cover in Ireland is estimated to be at its highest level in more than 350 years. Latest figures for employment in the forestry sector, including logging and the manufacture of wood and wood products, stood at nearly 6,500. Ireland exported more than 1.4 billion tonnes of forestry and wood-based products to more than 80 countries in 2024, valued at €634 million. It is a sector that has felt the brunt of Storm Éowyn. I and my colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for forestry, Deputy Michael Healy-Rae, immediately established the forest windblow taskforce, bringing together all stakeholders to assist those whose forests have been affected and who are faced with a major clean-up operation.”
“The seafood sector provides more than 15,000 direct and indirect jobs across fisheries, aquaculture, processing and ancillary sectors in Ireland. In 2024, the value of Irish seafood exports was €592 million. Over the five-year period from 2020 to 2024 in excess of €800 million was made available to the seafood sector, which included investment of almost €160 million in State-owned public marine infrastructure. The Government will pursue all avenues to increase fishing opportunities for our fishers, while maintaining sustainable stock levels based on scientific evidence. We will also support the inshore fishing, aquaculture and processing sectors. The Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, will lead the development of a dedicated strategy for the development of this vital sector. The forestry sector accounts for almost 11.6% of our land area.”
“Agriculture and agrifood is a sector that is forward-looking, dynamic and innovative. We have to project this image not only because it is true but because what people from outside the sector think really matters. I believe if the average consumer could see the innovation and ingenuity at the heart of our food production system they would be blown away. I am delighted the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Grealish, has a specific focus on supporting the sector in this work, through his responsibilities for food promotion, new markets and research and development. I know he will continue the momentum of building a modern, outward-looking sector for the future. Each production sector makes a value economic contribution to the overall agrifood sector in Ireland.”
“To put this achievement of €19.2 billion in 2024 into context, it represents an increase of 58% in value from €11.6 billion in the decade since 2014, and a doubling from €8.9 billion in 2010, prior to the establishment of the ten-year Food Harvest 2020 strategy. While the exports of the multinationals are crucially important to the economy, agrifood is the bedrock of our exports. As someone first elected as a Teachta Dála in 2011, I will never forget the role agriculture played in reviving Ireland’s economy during the last downturn. The sector has an enormous multiplier effect in the wider rural and local economy, ranging from 2.5 for beef and 2 for dairy and food processing, compared with 1.4 for the rest of the economy and a multiplier of just 1.2 for foreign-owned firms.”
“Their hard work and expertise are the driving force behind the agrifood sector’s success. Ireland’s agrifood produce has a globally renowned reputation for quality and safety. Irish agrifood exports reach more than 180 countries, with approximately 90% of our beef, sheep meat and dairy products destined for international markets. We have a livestock sector built on a unique grass-based production system. Global demand for high-quality, nutrient-dense food is increasing with growing populations, urbanisation and affluence. We are ideally placed to play a role in meeting this demand. Recently published CSO figures show that Irish agrifood exports reached a record value of €19.2 billion in 2024. This is an increase of more than 6% on the value achieved in 2023 and an increase of 1.6% on the previous peak levels achieved in 2022.”
“Its roots run deep. There is not a parish in the country that is not enriched by the contribution made by farmers, or where some small business does not depend on this sector for its existence. The sector is responsible for the stewardship of 4.5 million ha of agricultural land and more than 800,000 ha of forestry. It consists of 133,000 farms, 2,000 fishing vessels and aquaculture sites and some 2,000 food-production and beverage enterprises. It employs more than 171,000 people, representing 6.4% of the total workforce but a much greater proportion in rural and coastal areas. The agrifood sector's performance is a testament to the dedication of people working across farms, fishing vessels, aquaculture sites and food and beverage enterprises in Ireland.”
“It is something to be proud of and something to work to protect. It is an honour for me to take up the role of Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and take responsibility for these sectors. It is an immense privilege, and I intend to do everything within my power to help grow and develop the sector. My passion and grá for farming were instilled in me from a young age by my mother in particular and it has stayed with me to this day. It is a passion I will bring to this role each and every day. I want to communicate a fresh understanding of what it is farmers, fishers, foresters and the food industry contribute to Irish society and the economy. This is a sector that drives economic growth throughout Ireland, particularly in rural and coastal communities. We need to better explain the contribution the sector makes.”
“I congratulate the Leas-Cheann Comhairle on his elevation to his very important role. I look forward to working with him in the Dáil term ahead. I congratulate him and his family on a very prestigious honour. I welcome this opportunity to speak to the House on the importance of agrifood to the overall Irish economy. In a week in which the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, has published his vision for agriculture and food, I believe it is a very timely debate and discussion to have in the House. As Ireland’s largest indigenous exporting sector, the agrifood sector is made up of thousands of farmers, fishers and foresters, who day in, day out produce the highest quality food and raw materials. Their work and the work of those in our manufacturing sectors is something to celebrate.”
“I am also seeking flexibility in the context of the planning requirements such that in circumstances where, for example, a shed has been completely levelled, planning permission will not be needed for a like-for-like replacement.”
“I join the Deputy in extending sympathy to the Coleman family. I also extend heartfelt sympathies to all of the community in Galway who have suffered significant losses. I am mindful of the impact of Storm Éowyn and the impact it had on agricultural buildings, as the Deputy outlined. In many instances, buildings have been completely flattened. In that space, the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme, TAMS, grant is available to allow farmers to construct new buildings. I am looking for some flexibility to be introduced in the scheme to see if there is a possibility to include sheds that had roofs blown off but where the general structure still remains. In general, TAMS grants are for new buildings and not for adapting buildings. However, I am looking to see if we can get some flexibility in that space.”
“We want to see more supports in our community, supporting those who work in our health sector and seeing increased investment in this hospital and beyond. This is a programme for Government that I feel has the potential to deliver for our people, the people of Kildare, from my perspective as a TD for that county, our farmers, fishers and foresters. I look forward to working with colleagues across government to see its implementation in the years ahead.”
“There is a focus on transport in the programme, with a second bridge in Newbridge an example of a key infrastructural project I want to see delivered in this Dáil term. The programme also mentions supports for businesses, in particular lowering the VAT rate for our hospitality sector and bringing in increased business support for our small and medium-sized businesses due to the pressures they have faced with increased costs in recent years. There is also more investment in our health services in the programme. Naas hospital is a good example of somewhere that suffers those growing pains of a county that has doubled in population in a relatively short period. Our primary care centre network continues to be rolled out and expanded.”
“It is a fantastic resource that needs to be managed better and more proactively for those who live on it, use it for recreational purposes, for tourism opportunities and for the many people whose livelihoods are involved in it such as our military, the racehorse sector, sheep farmers and many more. The conservation management plan and commitment in the programme for Government for it to be implemented was a key priority for me. I am very glad to see it delivered in this programme for Government and it is something I will continue to follow through on during this time. The programme for Government also refers to infrastructure and the infrastructural deficit we have around the country; seeing projects delivered across a new national development plan will be a key part of that.”
“Whether assessment of needs or school-leavers coming out of special schools looking to transition into employment opportunities, this programme for Government has a significant focus on those issues. The appointment of a Minister and a Minister of State in this area points to that commitment. I look forward to making significant progress in areas like assessment of needs and beyond. In County Kildare, we have some key specific issues. I am delighted at the implementation of the conservation management plain for the Curragh Plains. It is a unique resource of 5,000 acres in the heart of County Kildare. It is a jewel in the Irish crown, not just in our county.”
“I mentioned commuting but for those who want to work in Kildare, better quality of life and more employment opportunities across our county, particularly in south Kildare, continue to be a key focus of mine. School places and transport and supporting that next generation in the education system and those who work in it is a critical part of this programme for Government, as is supporting families to reduce the cost of childcare and supporting those who work in the childcare sector by building a modern, resilient childcare sector that is a support to parents and children and those who work in the area. Disabilities is an area that is a key focus for all of us as public representatives when we deal with individual cases.”
“The community and voluntary sector has benefited greatly in our public realm through town and village renewals schemes and beyond and in our sports capital programmes. We see that investment in every community the length and breadth of this country. This programme for Government wants to do that. In my county, Kildare, there are many of the challenges this programme for Government looks to address - issues at the heart of the challenges we face, such as housing with our growing economy and population. County Kildare has doubled in population since 1991, with the growing pains that brings for our transport sector and for those commuting - delivering fairer fares with changes to the short hop zone and delivering for small and medium-sized businesses which employ people and create opportunities.”
“I am certain that my colleague the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Healy-Rae, will bring a new focus to this sector and to the development of the horticulture sector. The agri-food sector is a modern, dynamic, future-focused sector with roots in the domestic economy but an economic footprint right across the world. I look forward to working closely with my Minister of State colleagues and with all stakeholders from farm organisations and industry bodies to deliver on the potential of this great sector through the commitments in our programme for Government. This programme for Government also has a keen focus on continuing our investment through the Department of rural affairs in our rural communities.”
“Total Government spend across the seafood sector over the five-year period 2020-2024 was in excess €800 million, which includes investment of almost €160 million in State-owned public marine infrastructure. This Government will continue to pursue all avenues to increase fishing opportunities for the Irish fishing sector while maintaining sustainable stock levels based on scientific evidence. We will also maintain support for the inshore fishing, aquaculture and processing sectors, underpinning the vital role fishing and the marine have for our coastal communities. This Government will continue to support the forestry sector and provide attractive financial incentives to farmers to plant, given the beneficial environment impact and commercial opportunities.”
“Supported across government, there is now unprecedented engagement across the entire agri-food industry to drive improvements in our water quality. The establishment of a Cabinet sub-committee chaired by the Taoiseach, bringing in all sectors, not just agriculture but the EPA, local authorities, Uisce Éireann, is a critical step and pivotal point in our programme for Government. I will work with the new Ministers of State - Deputy Grealish will focus on food promotion, new markets and research and development, building a modern, outward-looking sector for the future. As Minister of State for fisheries and the marine, when Deputy Dooley is appointed, he will develop a strategy for the development of this vitally important sector.”
“We know the stress and strain around generational renewal and succession, whether there is an identified successor in the family or not. Getting more young farmers into our sector is key. At the heart of succession is the point around income. Farmers cannot go green if they are in the red financially. We have to support our farmers in that economic piece, whether that is the environment or succession. At the heart of what we want to do is supporting those incomes to make farming a viable proposition for our rural communities. I am also committed to implementing the national women in agriculture action plan to recognise the role of women in farming. This Government will do everything in its power to build a strong case for the renewal of the nitrates derogation at EU level.”
“I see the next 17 months between now and then as my opportunity to build relations and allegiances across Europe, work with Commissioner Hansen and his team in the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development and make sure we put our best foot forward for Ireland and make the most of the opportunity the EU Presidency will give for our farmers, fishers and foresters. This Government will also tackle the problem of intergenerational transfer of farms. We already do a lot in this space but we need to do more. As well as examining the generational renewal report due back in the coming months, there are existing supports that effectively have a very low take-up rate. I want to see why they are not being taken up to the same level.”