Speaking at the Fine Gael National Conference in Limerick, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Simon Coveney TD, reaffirmed Fine Gael's commitment to the rural economy.

Mr Coveney said: "In Government, Fine Gael has prioritised issues which are important to rural Ireland. The past year has seen a lot of progress on key issues fundamental to rural life. We have successfully completed a CAP and CFP in a very ambitious timeframe during the Irish Presidency and have overcome challenges like horsemeat, tough weather conditions and a fodder crisis.

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"We are now entering a phase which could potentially be a golden age for Irish farming, with the prospect of quota abolition and a positive outlook for increased exports. The rise in demand for third level agricultural courses is a clear signal of the enthusiasm surrounding the agri-food sector and the increased investment by our largest food companies will provide sustainable jobs for rural communities in the long term."

(CD/JP)