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

Today, hundreds of farmers travelled voluntarily from all across the country for a peaceful protest outside Agriculture House to send the simple message that suckler farmers are on their knees. Next Tuesday is D-Day for many suckler farmers.

The past 12 months have been horrendous in Irish agriculture, with hard-working farmers experiencing severe pressure. I advised the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine that animal deaths on farms will be at an all-time high, only to be met with shouts of "Nonsense". Figures from the Department records show a 21% increase in on-farm animal deaths in the past 12 months.

Those who came here to protest today want the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to stand up to the factories to ensure we get a fair price for farmers. Will the Taoiseach answer a straight question? These farmers need a fair suckler cow scheme after next Tuesday's budget. If that is not put in place, many of these farmers will be forced to go on welfare.

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