Mr. Pat McCormack:

As someone who is just about younger than Senator Lombard, I regard the years in question as very challenging. The Senator asked what we can do to make life easier for those between 25 and 35. Although it is a while since I was that age, it is not that long ago. The Senator mentioned TAMS grants. These are certainly a bone of contention for many who take over farms at a young age. The five-year rule is very penal as regards qualifying as a young farmer. It should apply up to the age of 35, or indeed to a period of ten years after taking over the farm. There are farmers who are 25 or 26 years of age and who find themselves no longer eligible.

The Senator talked about supporting two farm families. To refer to the TAMS again, particularly the dairy part, the limits of 160 cows for a partnership and 120 cows for an individual prevent the opportunity to secure the economic sustainability of two households. The Senator is right that a grant of €70,000, with the €28,000 energy grant on top of it, is quite substantial. We will not be found wanting in highlighting the opportunity that exists to revitalise old structures. However, it is critical that the message get through to planning consultants because they are usually the first port of call for individuals and young couples who want to move to a place they call home. Awareness among consultants that there may be opportunities associated with existing infrastructure on farms is needed. Ms Ryan wants to join in and give a younger person's perspective on the questions.