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

On pages 112 and 113 of A Programme for a Partnership Government, under the agriculture heading, the Government stated that farm families and rural communities must feel the effects of positive economic and social change. The reality is that many farm families are under serious financial pressure due to the fodder crisis. Some cannot pay many of their bills. The association of agricultural contractors claims that many farmers, due to the reduced cashflow, are unable to pay contractors for work carried out last year. Will the Government introduce a dedicated fund to help farmers pay outstanding debts as a result of this crisis?

While I have the floor, the Taoiseach did not answer Deputy Danny Healy-Rae's question. We were called road traffic terrorists.

See this speech in context