Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for her response. I would appreciate her bringing to the direct attention of the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, my proposals on a tax exemption or a spread of payments for taxes to give the farmers an opportunity to survive this year. The Tánaiste knows as well as I that when farmers are affected the whole community is affected.

We face many serious issues. Some farmers are finding it extremely difficult to get farm assist. We were promised an increase in the rural social scheme where farmers on a low income would get an opportunity to participate on a work scheme. That has not happened in the programme for Government. I plead with the Tánaiste to go to the Minister for Finance and to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to plead the case on behalf of the farmers. Many of them face ruination and that is a very serious issue which we must resolve. I ask that the Tánaiste and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed visit some of these farms over the next few days. I would be happy to show both Ministers around. I would also welcome both Deputies from west Cork to join in the visit to that area, if they would consider that, to see the serious situation of grain farmers and dairy farmers at this time.

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