Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

Six months ago I was taken aback when the then Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Mary Coughlan, informed me she had no intention of seeking an extension to the deadline for completion of work under the farm waste management scheme. This effectively was giving the two fingers to farmers. There are many reasons the extension should be granted. The EU would give an extension if asked but I cannot understand why the Government refuses to request one.

The cost of building materials is being pushed through the roof by this deadline, causing serious hardship for farmers. The price of steel has risen from €300 per tonne five years ago to €1,000 per tonne. The construction industry in rural areas needs this employment. In Newtowngore, County Leitrim, in my constituency, an agricultural engineering factory employs 60 people and if this were to fail because of a refusal to extend the scheme, it could have a huge impact on the area's economy. Will the Minister request an extension to the deadline? I am certain it will be granted so we cannot blame Europe on this occasion. The only people to blame is the Government.

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