Vol. 407 No. 3
20 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the recent survey of farm incomes, prepared for Co-operation North by Queens University, Belfast and University College, Dublin, which showed that the likelihood of relative poverty for rural households has remained at approximately 30 per cent since 1973; if he has any plans to deal with the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware of the survey referred to by the Deputy.
While the percentage quoted by the Deputy refers only to the risk, rather than to the existence, of relative poverty, the report indicates a low income problem among certain categories of farmers. Farm households, where there is no alternative source of income and where the main activity is drystock farming, are identified as those most at risk. A number of initiatives, under the auspices of the operational programme for rural development have been put in place to address such problems, inter alia, by creating alternative sources of income to supplement farm income for those who cannot make an adequate livelihood from farming alone.
I am glad the Minister recognises the content of the report is important as it describes the scale of farm poverty. Noting that poverty exists in households on small and medium sized farms and that subsidy and headage payments account for a good percentage of the income to such households, will the Minister agree that the changes now proposed in the Common Agricultural Policy will worsen the situation for such people? In regard to restructuring, will a policy which the people can follow be presented to them? Will the Minister state clearly and categorically if there is such a policy?
I cannot comment on the changes which may be introduced in proposals for the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy as they have not yet been tabled. However, I understand from the Commission that the intention is to support and help low income farmers and, therefore, I do not agree with the Deputy's interpretation of the reports we are hearing at present. Let me also assure the Deputy that other aids available to us in terms of increased headage payments which apply in those areas, particularly premium payments, will be specifically targeted at low income farmers. I should also like to draw the Deputy's attention to the programme for rural development to which I referred. This is a major opportunity to enhance incomes in areas which would otherwise be low income farm areas.
