Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour) | Oireachtas source

They have always voted for me up to now because they had no one else. The IFA has identified a figure of €25 million and the issue is how we secure it. It is important because many people are digging in and there is a constrained amount available. This will be supplemented by giving access to a number of specific schemes. It is a little irritating that significant grant aid can be secured in one sector but a sector such as this is the poor relation with little done in respect of fencing and management issues. Money could be provided and it would only require a small amount.

It is small money because at that level €2,000, €3,000 or €5,000 is the equivalent of €150,000 at another. The TAMS II scheme must be looked at again because it could be an area of interest.

I am also supportive of the idea that any support for which we can argue and secure should be directed at active farmers. That is a matter about which I feel strongly. The provision of support for farmers who are on their farms night and day and get up at 3 a.m. with weanlings and so on is very important.

It is also important not to omit market initiatives that could be taken. I have no doubts about the role played by Bord Bia, Mr. Aidan Cotter and others. We have the best beef and sheep marketing board in Europe and it can continue to play a constructive role in marketing and other related areas, even in the home market. On a trip to France in the early 1990s I recall going to the big Rungis market at 4 a.m. and remember distinctly how preferential treatment was given to home product over Irish product, some of which had been brought in from my own area, Kilbeggan. I wonder if that is still the way it is? In trying to break into these markets I wonder if home produce is still given preferential treatment? Notwithstanding the fact that there is equal access to markets and everything else, are we still at the stage where countries always hoist their own flags? If that is the case, we should hoist our flag and make sure domestic consumers also appreciate the value of the very good product we produce.