Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

I support the efforts of my colleagues to try to get justice for farmers who are affected by this totally unfair and unjust system. I refer to farmers who conducted certain works before 31 December last, in line with a Government commitment and under an agreed contract. They now find that the payments they are owed will be delayed. I do not think any sector of the public agrees with this proposal. I do not think the Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, would like to have to wait two years for his salary to be adjusted on an annualised basis. The Minister, Deputy Smith, is well aware that approximately 2,000 farmers in our shared constituency of Cavan-Monaghan are affected by this extremely serious situation. I fully appreciate that it is difficult to raise the finance that is needed, but it is hard to explain to farmers that €7 billion could be found to recapitalise the banks but €300 million cannot be found for them. While 40% has already been paid, the remaining 60% — over €300 million — is not being provided. People are being asked to do without it. If the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has not reached agreement with the farmers tonight, I urge him to accept the amendment before the House and thereby meet the cost of interest payments, at a minimum. It is certainly not a full solution, but it is a genuine attempt to alleviate the plight of farmers who are in an extraordinarily difficult situation.

See this speech in context