Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny has today welcomed his appointment to the Agriculture portfolio, as part of a reshuffle of some Dáil frontbench appointments made by Uachtaran Shinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald.  Deputy Kenny moves on from the portfolio of Transport and Communications, having previously held Agriculture and Justice spokesperson roles. 
 
Speaking today, Teachta Kenny said:
 
“First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the hard work in this portfolio by Claire Kerrane TD, who will now move into the role of Spokesperson on Children, Integration, Disability, Equality and Youth. 
  
“Agriculture and rural development is a sector I know well, as someone who lives in and represents the rural, border region where agriculture has been the lifeblood of our communities for decades. 

“Before entering politics, I had worked in the horticulture sector for some time growing mushrooms, and advising those across rural areas on establishing their own horticulture businesses.
 
“I will be a passionate voice standing up for family farmers and rural Ireland. I will fight night and day to ensure that their needs are met and their voices are heard.   
 
“It is absolutely clear that this government have failed family farmers, and those wanting to raise their families in rural Ireland.  Those farmers and their families must have their voices heard by this government.
 
“The establishment of a Commission on the Future of Family Farming is something I am committed to.  This would give that voice to our farming families where they can bring forward proposals aimed at sustaining their farms into the future.   
 
“We need to see the basics delivered in farming and agriculture – which includes fair and timely payment of schemes farmers participate in.  All too often, I have seen farmers across my own community or other parts of rural Ireland participating in departmental or EU schemes that are exceptionally unreliable.  This needs to change.
 
“Issues with the unreliability of schemes, the increase in production costs, and the inability to get a fair price for their produce has led many to leave the sector, or for their children to make the decision not to take over the family farm. 
 
“Agriculture is the backbone of rural communities and rural development is a key pillar of support to farming communities and our towns and villages.  We need regional investment to ensure the survival of the rural economy and the family farm.
 
“The department, the minister, and the government must be held to account for this, and we must turn the tide of those leaving the farming sector.  I am determined to be a voice for them going forward.”