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

While I appreciate some of the steps that have been taken, this issue is unfortunately taking many farmers who are purchasing fertiliser at the moment right over the edge. I also appreciate the steps the Minister has taken to provide cheap finance to farmers, but I am aware that some farmers who are looking for such finance are being turned down by banks. While the provision of €150 million is a start, I have been told it would not solve the problems in the pig sector alone, never mind the problems all across the farming sector. The big uptake of low-interest loans proves that there are huge cashflow problems on many Irish farms. I am aware of the continuous delays in making GLAS payments because many farmers are ringing my office to say they have not been paid. They are probably ringing the Minister's office as well. We have been told that these delays are caused by a technical issue. As Deputy Danny Healy-Rae said at last week's meeting of the Joint Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs a strike of a hammer against a machine might sort it out. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is failing to sort it out. How can 8,000 farmers still be waiting for the GLAS payments? It is unjust and unfair in times when people are struggling. The cost of fertiliser is taking many farmers over the edge. I ask the Minister to intervene personally. The Minister mentioned Commissioner Hogan, who needs to stand up for Irish farmers in the dairy, beef and grain sectors, who are struggling at present. The grain sector is awaiting compensation that was voted for in this House. That money has to be given to the grain farmers.

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