John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Many farmers have told me they will struggle to meet the required quality parameters demanded by the industry. The Government is significantly contributing to their worries. The 17% cuts in farm schemes in 2012 were almost three times the 6% cut applied across the entire agricultural budget and far in excess of the 3.5% taken out across other Departments. An IFA survey conducted at the recent Tullamore Show suggests the weather has had a negative impact on production for more than 90% of all farmers, with over 60% estimating a production loss of greater than 10%. Furthermore, 60% of those surveyed have purchased extra feed concentrate at an average additional cost of €3,700.

The Minister spoke about short-term compensation. Farmers, particularly small farmers, have their backs to the wall now. An immediate input of relatively small moneys - maybe a couple of million euro - might stop small farmers from going to the wall and going out of business. They are out of time and do not want to hear the Minister say that if he gives them money now, he might have to take it back later. They need money, immediately, that cannot be taken back.

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