Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this debate. As previous speakers noted, while every aspect of agriculture is in crisis, grain farmers are in a particular crisis arising from the weather in September and October 2016. Many of the farmers affected have endured serious financial difficulty for some years because of low grain prices. The crisis, which manifested itself almost six months ago, needs to be addressed. Figures have been compiled that show what needs to be done. A fund must be established to address the significant hardship facing farmers in certain parts of the country. While grain farmers across the country were affected by the weather of September 2016, figures have been produced on the amount of money required in specific regions and areas.

The Minister must give serious consideration to this motion, which has been introduced as a priority. We did not take this decision lightly. Many of the affected farmers, having examined their books and taken advice from their accountants, are considering whether to stay in business. They have given their lives to producing good food. All aspects of the grain industry and businesses involved in associated manufacturing are experiencing a major problem. The Minister must establish a fund to ensure the people in the Gallery and farmers nationwide will have a livelihood and the Government will stand by them in a crisis.

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