James Breen (Clare, Independent)

I estimate that this crop would yield a profit of €1,000 per hectare. That is a lot of money, especially in the west. Does the Minister agree that our over-dependence on foreign produce will cost us jobs in the long run? I have two letters from major companies in my area of County Clare to the effect that if the cost of energy does not come down, they will relocate to the countries from which they came. This is serious. We must have a viable farming community and stop the flight from the land. A total of 40% of our farmers are part-time. If we continue to let this happen and not provide an income for farmers, approximately 20% of the farming community will be in full-time farming by 2015.

I thank the Minister for answering the question but I still believe it was for the Minister for Agriculture and Food. Does the Minister agree that our over-dependence on foreign oils and fuels will put jobs at risk?

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