Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister, Deputy Brendan Smith, and the Ministers of State, Deputies Trevor Sargent and Tony Killeen, for their support, flexibility and dedication in addressing the serious crisis bedevilling agriculture. International volatility in markets, the global financial depression and weather conditions have had a deleterious effect on Irish farming. I am grateful to the Minister for the flexibility he has shown in advancing payments and bringing a Supplementary Estimate before the House. I thank him for despatching a team of inspectors to my constituency to investigate at first hand the serious situation that obtains on the ground. I warmly welcome the €2 million investment in a special fodder scheme for the farming community.

In order to ensure sustainability in farm incomes, it is vital that we put the maximum effort into restoring REPS payments to their full capacity. The suckler cow welfare scheme and the disadvantaged area payments are also critical to my county and the entire western region. I appeal to the banking community to show flexibility and generosity in advancing payments, extending overdrafts and recapitalising farmers. The Government is prepared to help them despite the constant financial pressure it faces. The banking community has been supported by the Government and should in turn ensure a cashflow to all our citizens, including farmers.

I commend the Minister and his colleagues on their efforts. With their leadership, I am confident we can resolve the serious difficulties which the farming community faces at present.

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