Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)

Last Sunday in Ennis, 7,500 people took part in a demonstration against the cuts. Those are honest, hardworking people that were never caught up in the madness that was the Celtic tiger yet the Government is doing a slash and burn on their futures. The proposed changes in the disadvantaged area payment will hit 2,406 farmers in County Clare. In targeting the disadvantaged payment the Minister is hitting the weakest section, those with the worst land, who badly need the money that he is taking out of their pockets. I plead with the Minister to go back to the drawing board. He is in denial. His assault on the farming communities, especially in the west, must stop.

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