Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I referred to meat factories exploiting farmers. The Minister is reneging far too easily on his responsibility in this regard. We have a beef forum which can surely determine what is a fair price. The factories dropped prices again this week, which was completely unwarranted. Everything we hear on the grapevine indicates they intend to reduce prices again next week. They cannot be allowed to exploit farmers in this way. Fairness in price is the least we can demand from factories when farmers are under such pressure.

I also mentioned the pig industry, which is under dire pressure at the moment and is caught in the eye of the storm. Increasing feed prices are having a major impact on the pig industry. Although the number of farmers involved is small, it is an important industry for the country and it needs help. Pig and bacon prices are down but the increase in feed costs is having a serious effect on the industry.