Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is incumbent on the national broadcaster to be extremely careful about the way it presents particular stories. It was quite alarming to hear the national broadcaster suggesting on the "Six One News" programme last night that the fodder shortages and current difficulties being experienced by farmers would lead to an increase in suicide. Everybody accepts that the farming community is going through a difficult time right now but a lot of work is being done behind the scenes, as other speakers have pointed out, to help farmers through this crisis. The money that is being made available to subsidise the transport of fodder from England, through the co-operative societies, is very welcome. Teagasc has been working closely with farmers over the last number of months because it was very obvious from last summer that there would be a fodder shortage this year. Farmers have been getting very good advice on how to manage the use of fodder in the last few months. It is also important that farmers would have access to credit. The Minister is meeting representatives of the dairy co-operatives today and is also meeting representatives of the main banks to ensure that a line of credit is available to farmers to tide them over for the next few weeks.

It is important that there would be solidarity among members of the farming community. As public representatives, we must also keep an eye out for people who are vulnerable. There is absolutely no reason for animals to be dying in this country. A welfare fund can be accessed in extreme and difficult situations. It is important to send out that message. The IFA and other farming organisations are liaising closely with the Department on these issues. We are going through difficult times right now but hopefully the situation will improve significantly in the coming weeks. Any linking of increased levels of suicide to the current fodder situation is highly irresponsible.