Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Is the Taoiseach aware, despite what one might be led to believe, that the size of the national herd in Ireland is the same size now as it was when we joined the European Union 50 years ago? In that time, emissions of greenhouse gases have increased exponentially in other sectors in Ireland. The demand for meat and dairy produce has also increased exponentially around the world. If it is not met from Ireland, it will be met from elsewhere, notably, South America. What has changed is that Irish farmers have incurred huge debts as a result of being encouraged by successive Governments, of which the Taoiseach was a member, to move from beef to dairy. Many farmers invested vast amounts of money, encouraged by the Government and paid out by the banks, that they now owe. Does the Taoiseach understand their frustration as we now talk about culling a national herd back to numbers less than when we joined the EU? They feel they are being scapegoated for other sectors.

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