Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the serious predicament in which many farmers find themselves as a result of continuous pressure from the Green Party Ministers in the Government. The first thing is the proposed 25% reduction in emissions, resulting in a cull of 200,000 cows by 2030. Then there is the cost of carbon tax. Then we have the Chinese boasting that they will be increasing their herd by over 1 million cows this year.

The nature restoration Bill was passed in the EU Parliament on 27 February and was supported by all Government MEPs, including our local MEPs, Seán Kelly and Billy Kelleher. This was very disappointing. This Bill sets out that 20% of our land and sea areas must be taken out of food production and rewet by 2030. This could mean that homes could be flooded. The Minister of State, Deputy O'Donovan, is very concerned and says that this was not thought out properly. This will also affect smaller farmers in areas on the western seaboard areas like south and north Kerry that benefit from the provisions of the Arterial Drainage Act 1945 and grant-aided schemes and from their own hard work, their own sweat and blood. They slaved to make their places productive. Now, in one fell swoop, all their work will be nullified and wiped out. This is all because of the Green Party's agenda and the Government's lust and quest for power.

The reduction in the nitrates derogation demanded by the EU, which our Government did not defend properly, means many farmers will have to cut production or cull cows because they cannot rent buy or additional land. It is too expensive. Small farmers will not be viable. I know one farmer who will have to reduce the number of cows in his herd from 58 to 48. It will not be viable for him to continue. Why is the same focus of attention not being placed on local authorities and Irish Water, which is also polluting streams and rivers all over the country as many treatment plants are overburdened? Several treatment plants in Kerry need improvements and sewerage extensions. In addition, treatment plants need to be built in areas where there are none.

I attended a meeting in Moyvane last Friday night where more than 200 people launched their local development plan. The whole thing hinges on a new treatment plant or the present-day treatment plant being extended. They are pleading and begging for a treatment plant to be placed in Moyvane. Suckler farmers and beef bull breeders are deeply upset after building up efficient, sustainable breeds. All that work is compromised following the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation's changes to star ratings, demoting Charolais and Limousin and promoting Dexters. Many farmers have been disallowed from claiming back VAT in respect of much-needed improvements on their farms. Those who want to build extra slurry storage cannot even get planning. We have the most sustainable and efficient system of producing beef and dairy in the whole world. It is a fresh grass-based system.

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