Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive answer. Coming from one of the major pig-producing counties, Cavan, he will be aware there are serious problems in the industry.

On the issue of banking, did the Minister's meetings with the banks include the ACC and NIB? These are important banks for that area.

Does he accept that individual farmers in the business are under serious pressure at present? Would he advise any young person to start into the business as things currently stand? I appreciate that the Russian market has been opened up which may improve prices but what is the situation regarding compound feeds? What is the Minister's attitude towards the GM issue? Our farmers have to compete against others who use genetically modified crops.

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