Vol. 405 No. 5
11 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the recent policy document produced by the United Farmers' Association, entitled Ensuring the Viability of the Family Farm; if he intends to implement any of the reforms suggested in the document; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have received the document to which the Deputy refers. The document contains a large number of recommendations. A number of these deal with policy matters on which action is already in progress while others involve matters which are continuously under review and on which decisions will be taken as part of the ongoing process of policy formulation.
I am glad to hear the Minister say that he has received the document and has studied it. In view of the proposed changes in the Common Agricultural Policy, the emphasis being placed on Structural Funds and the irrefutable case made in this in-depth document about the need to ensure the viability of family farms, may I ask the Minister if he has had consultations with the United Farmers' Association and, if not, if he proposes to do so?
I am glad to be able to tell the Deputy that I have had consultations with the United Farmers' Association, as I have had with other farmers organisations. I made very clear from the moment such organisations were launched that I would be willing to have consultations with them. I am also glad to be able to tell the Deputy that not only have I received the document but I attended at the ceremony formally launching the document. I indicated then that I thought there were some very positive elements in the document. I hope that my continuing consultations with that association together with my consultations with the other farming organisations will be of significance, particularly for the smaller producers to whom the Deputy has referred.
Arising from the Minister's reply and the emphasis he placed in his public announcement of the benefits which will accrue to smaller and medium sized farmers, may I ask the Minister if a document will be issued which will specify the programme and how these farmers will benefit?
I will consider the Deputy's suggestion. The range of action for small producers is so extensive now that it might be a good idea to put it all in one booklet and to expand the booklet as we expand the measures. There is much scope for including such a programme in a booklet as we have a whole range of actions and supports for small producers. Hopefuly there will be many more of these. The Deputy's suggestion is worth considering.
Does the Minister agree with the proposal by the United Farmers' Organisation that an income support scheme to replace the CAP is the way forward? Does he agree that the CAP system is totally washed-up and needs to be replaced immediately?
That is another matter.
With respect, it is a similar matter. Will the Minister give me an answer, please?
The Deputy is right in so far as the Minister is concerned he has given up.
I call Deputy Deenihan.
May I ask the Minister if the Government intend to introduce a farm income supplement scheme for farmers, as promised in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress and promised by the Minister to the United Farmers' Association?
That is a separate matter, Deputy. Question No. 12.
It is not.
