Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)

I am sorry I do not have 30 minutes.

I refer to the farming community, which I know most about. We discussed the 1% levy. Most farmers have been fined or penalised by 10% to 15%. The Government put its hand in every farmer's pocket, even the smaller lads, and took up to €3,000-5,000 in one go. It is difficult to think that in an agricultural country we do not have a programme to help the young farmers of Ireland to be trained properly, take over their farms and compete with the farmers of Europe. The installation aid grant and the retiring farmers grant were pulled for €10 million. Any Government that thinks this is fair and balanced and wants the people to back them is getting its answer in the polls and will get a lot more of it.

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