Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is evident that this is a devastating time for the farming community throughout the country. There is huge negativity among those involved in family farms who have been striving against the odds in recent years to keep their small businesses going. I have spoken to a number of farmers of all sizes and categories who are contemplating the sale of up to half of their herds, which would be an awful scenario. The halving of cow numbers by many farmers would be a retrograde step for this country's dairy industry. Farmers in the south west face the elements and contend with high levels of rainfall to a greater extent than their counterparts in other areas, such as the sunny south east. There is a better quality of land in many parts of the east. Significant amounts of hay were being imported into County Kerry as far back as the latter end of last autumn. I think that is a demonstration of the contrast that exists at the moment.

We are fortunate that English hay is being brought into this country through the transport subsidy scheme. I compliment the Minister on the efforts he is making in these constricted times, when budgets are not very plentiful and we must make the most of what we have. I also compliment the efforts of the IFA and the farming communities that have co-operated with one another.

They more or less kept the people who were in real need in existence all along-----

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