Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)

They are proud dedicated people who are committed to their communities, families and traditional way of life. However, all the Government can do is penalise them and try to drive them off the land. This is what is taking place. It is a deliberate attempt made in this House to clear off the small and medium sized farms. This must be reversed and Members must stand together. I appeal to the backbenchers on the Government side of the House, to those are listening or who are meeting their constituents on a daily basis. Throughout the rural communities on this island, Deputies were elected democratically to this House but were not elected to penalise or to cut back farm income. They were not elected to attack the most vulnerable in our communities. They were elected democratically to do the right thing, the just thing. They are not doing that and I make a final appeal to the Minister to do the right thing. Those who do not stand with the Government on that side of the House should let their voices be heard——

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