Mr. Michael Moroney:

Our view would be very similar to the Deputy's. He is close to the ground in his understanding. Prior to the pandemic when we had regional meetings and face-to-face meetings, we were always concerned by the number of grey heads in the room. That is a significant point. Contractors are planning their work for 2022. They are looking at diesel costs and the lack of labour availability, which is a major problem in rural areas. Some of them are contemplating whether it is time to give it up. One of the problems that many contractors have is that their assets are machines, which depreciate over time by their nature, so it is not always easy to convert those assets into something if a contractor decides to retire.

There is considerable concern, not just in Ireland, but across Europe among our CEETTAR partners but it is more significant here because our costs seem to be higher. The Deputy is right, in that we have heard quotes today from our members of up to 94 cent per litre for diesel. There is a frightening prospect that diesel could increase to €1.50 per litre if there are issues at an international level over which we have no control. In that scenario, it would not be sustainable to run a contracting business and provide a service for farmers. Farm incomes will not justify dealing with the realistic charges that will need to be put in place if the price of diesel goes to those levels.

I will pass the committee over to our chairman, who might add further comments.