Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for allowing me to raise this important matter. I do so because I believe the Minister does not understand the dire circumstances facing the cereal, beef and dairy sectors. Having been involved in agriculture for many years, I have never seen farmers in such desperation. Cereal farmers have experienced two bad years, with low prices and yields and high costs. Many of them have been driven to desperate measures by these factors and the pressure being applied by banks. Dairy farmers have never had it so bad. Earlier this year, I experienced the anger and frustration of many young dairy farmers at a protest about low milk prices outside the Tipperary co-operative.

I do not recall such low prices across the farming sector and I am very concerned about prices in the beef sector. As a result of the large number of cattle being slaughtered, some farmers have been unable to get their animals into abattoirs. A monopoly in the beef sector is driving down prices and there is a large gap between the prices paid to farmers and sale prices. Action is urgently required to address the problem. The Minister must make a special case for dairy producers in Brussels to ensure a package is put together to secure their survival.

Young farmers have invested substantial sums in the farming sector which is now on the verge of collapse. Some farmers are ready to take their lives because of the dire financial circumstances in which they find themselves. In the past three weeks, farmers have found out that their returns this year will be poor. While world prices will rise in a few years, many of our farmers will have left the industry by then. Farming has a vital role to play in economic recovery and I urge the Minister to do something on their behalf to allow them to regain control of their lives and businesses.

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