Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:6 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measures he is offering to broker an agreement with farmers in the partnership talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4054/03]
Other Questions. - Partnership Discussions.
The partnership talks involve a series of complex discussions between the Government and four pillars comprising the voluntary and community pillar, the farming pillar, the employers pillar and the trade union pillar. The agreement reached is not simply on the basis of what each pillar has received but also encompasses a series of shared societal goals that often involves an interlinking of areas of economic, pay, taxation and social policy. The final result is an agreement which covers a number of areas, some of which impact on each pillar directly and others such as macro-economic goals which benefit all through improving the economic climate in areas such as reduced inflation, reduced interest rates, higher economic growth, etc.
There are difficult choices for the farming organisations, that some aspects of the proposed agreement may not suit them and that severe challenges confront the sector such as the mid-term review and the World Trade Organisation discussions. Similar choices are faced by all the pillars who, in a difficult budgetary climate, may have to accept that the resources that were previously available to them will have to be restricted. However, the partnership process, which has served us so well since 1987, provides us with the best mechanism to overcome the present externally unfavourable economic difficulties and restore Irish growth to its previously high levels.
To indicate the comprehensive approach taken in the discussions on agriculture, there are clear and solid commitments available to the farming pillar, which have been incorporated in a policy proposal comprising 16 pages.
There is another aspect that is currently being overlooked. This is an overall objective for society, which is more important than what is available for a particular industry, sector or group. The overriding goal of the process is to continue the sustainable progress of Irish society as outlined in the NESC vision.
Additional informationThis outlined a view of the continuation of Ireland's economic success and a nation that will be economically inclusive based on full employment, continue a trend of consistent economic development, be socially inclusive and continue to adapt the country to change. It would be well to quote from the overall approach adopted in the proposed agreement to underpin national development. It states:
The degree of uncertainty about the economic outlook, both domestically and internationally, and the reality of a fiscal environment in which current constraints have implications for prioritisation and timeframes for delivery across policy areas and programmes, have resulted in a different approach being taken in the development of this Agreement.
Therefore, the achievement of the general overall measures within the new programme and within current resources is just as important as any sectoral measures.
Of equal significance is the fact that measures that have been taken in this programme will, among other things, protect the general wellbeing of the economy which is, of course, of primary importance to farmers as least as much as it is to other sectors and will result in higher economic growth, lower interest rates and lower inflation at a later stage.
In addition, the farming community has a special interest in many if not all of the ten special initiatives being undertaken during the period of the programme. These include the cost and availability of insurance, tackling educational disadvantage, ending child poverty, care for people with disabilities and older people, and waste management, among other things. In the case of each initiative there is the need to put in place appropriate arrangements involving all the pillars to develop these initiatives further.
The successful implementation of these initiatives will make a major contribution to our quality of life. All major stakeholders in society must contribute to this process and it is for this reason that partnership involving all four pillars is so important. Therefore, I would hope that the farming organisations would look at the overall benefits of the partnership arrangements and the measures that are to be put in place that will benefit the Irish economy and obviously the farming community. The farming organisations are able negotiators and have participated effectively in the partnership process.
While I hear what the Minister said about choices, will he appreciate that the choice for farmers seems to be to like it or lump it? Some kind of olive branch should be offered in what seems to be a dangerous stand-off. Will the Minister agree, notwithstanding the 8% reduction in income in the last year, the number of farmers who are not able to continue in farming and the loss of farms year by year, that there is a need to recognise the low morale in farming? For example, the animal disease levy seems to be taking in approximately €10.
A question, Deputy.
Will the Minister offer at least the olive branch of putting the animal disease levy on the table for withdrawal, review or discussion to see if it is worth the money that has been brought in? Can he say if there will be a possibility of looking at the CPO situation where money is given, but that money does not buy replacement land? Perhaps we might consider trading in land portions rather than money. There are many options the Minister should consider before closing the door.
Partnership, and the whole process of partnership, has been the single greatest engine for driving the Irish economy. The results show that it has been a useful instrument in the economic progress that has been made since 1987. The farming pillar has been a valued member of the partnership process. The Government is most anxious that agriculture is accommodated within the restricted budgetary framework in which it operates. There is a proposal on the table for the farming pillar that takes account of the loss of revenue and the constraints on public finances. I estimate the value of the proposal to farmers to be up to €300 million over the relatively short lifetime of this partnership programme.
I am a little disappointed with the Green Party, which seems to want everything—
I am representing my constituents.
—but does not seem willing to pay for it.
It thinks it can be paid for with fresh air.
One cannot do that.
If the Minister provided training, we could make more money.
I hope the Deputy is not suggesting that we should borrow or increase taxation.
I am talking about creating wealth.
If he thinks we should take such steps, he should tell the House.
I would like to ask two brief questions. Does the Minister agree that he and his officials have called this one incorrectly, that they have underestimated the frustration and hopelessness that exists in the agricultural community? Does the Minister expect the farming organisations to sign up to partnership?
When concern was first shown in relation to the partnership talks in December, the Minister told Deputy Burton that the farming organisations' decision to participate in the negotiations was a matter for them. It seemed like the Minister was saying "Take it or leave it, but we will not go with you." It is time to make some concessions to the farming organisations.
If the Minister looked more closely at the Green Party's policies, he would see that we are interested in creating wealth in farming, which is much needed. Does he agree that animal disease levies, which bring in about €10 million, could be placed on the table for discussion as an olive branch in the context of the €300 million package he has mentioned? Such a measure would restore confidence in the partnership process, which I agree is important. The Minister will turn his back on partnership if he does not engage in dialogue.
A considerable effort was put into the dialogue with the social partners, including the farming pillar, which lasted into the early hours of the morning. I hope that the farming pillar will engage in the discussions that have yet to take place. I am disappointed that the Green Party has fingered animal disease.
The Minister is putting people off the partnership process.
It is important that Ireland retains its elevated "white country" status in relation to food standards and safety.
Why make it more expensive?
Wanting everything and paying for nothing is not a policy.
We all agree with that.
It seems to be the Green Party's mantra.
We will proceed to the next question.
What about the several other questions?
Time has more than run out.
In reply to Deputy Upton, there is no question of taking it or leaving it – we want the farmers to participate.
Does the Minister expect them to join?