Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to discuss the IFA sheep protest that was organised in Roscommon yesterday. IFA branches from across the country gathered in Roscommon to highlight challenges for farming families. The price of sheep would normally see a natural bump as we enter this season. Unfortunately, that is not happening. There are also reports that there was an increase of nearly one third in farming input costs in general in 2022. That is significant. Inflation is levelling, but feed costs alone have increased for farming families. This is of great concern for the sustainability of our farming sector, particularly as regards sheep as we enter lambing season. It is a major concern around Roscommon and Galway.

It was important to see the IFA bringing people's concerns to bear and for us to hear what those were, especially in the west, but there were branches in attendance from all around the country, including Cork, Kilkenny, Waterford, Laois and Longford. They showed that it was important we listen to their concerns.

Markets are opening up, particularly in the US, but Europe is a key market for us. Given that prices in France are higher than they are in Ireland, we need to work with Bord Bia on how to increase demand for lamb and sheep meat more generally.

I met public representatives at the protest, including Deputy Naughten. Today, we heard his announcement about his future plans. His family kept a strong tradition in politics and public life for many generations, especially in south Roscommon. I have had the opportunity to work with Deputy Naughten as a constituency colleague. For 25 or 26 years, his family has been involved in delivering for the communities in Roscommon and Galway.It is a commitment. There is always sacrifice when it comes to public life with family, friends and so on. In this I acknowledge the timeframe and what has been given. I wish him well for the future, as a colleague.