Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)

I move:

"That Dáil Éireann:

considering:

the extensive response the farm waste management scheme has generated, with over 42,200 farmers approved to proceed with work under the scheme;

the added value the scheme is bringing to the economy by generating additional employment for the construction industry at a time of economic uncertainty; and

the importance of the environmental benefits associated with full delivery of the scheme;

noting:

the Government's previous decision to suspend the Farm Improvement Scheme;

the considerable levels of personal financial risk undertaken by farmers in acquiring bank loans for completion of works under the scheme;

the unseasonal inclement weather in the last number of months which has hampered the progress of building projects;

deferred planning decisions have delayed the commencement of works;

a substantial number of farmers report they will not be able to complete work by the end of year deadline;

the Irish Farm Building Contractors' Association suggest up to 10,000 construction jobs will be lost by the end of the year unless the deadline is extended; and

the rush to complete works may result in health and safety risks on site;

calls on the Government to:

ensure all payments due under the scheme are paid in line with commitments outlined in the Charter of Rights; and

take all necessary steps to extend the deadline for completion of works to 30 June 2009."

In view of the extraordinary interest in this motion by my colleagues representing rural constituencies, I propose, with the approval of the House, to share my time with Deputies P. J. Sheehan, John O'Mahony, Tom Hayes, Tom Sheahan, Michael D'Arcy, John Perry and Jimmy Deenihan.

See this speech in context