Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy McConalogue for bringing this motion before the Dáil. I welcome everybody who has come here this evening. This is a most important issue. Farmers across the country are on their knees. The suckler herd is under threat. Farmers' incomes are perilously low. It is unfair to think that farmers are in a position where they will literally give away calves. What is happening is sinful. Dairy farmers are selling calves for €10 or €20 and in many cases they are giving them away for nothing. On the other hand, when a person produces a calf into beef and goes to the mart or to the factory, I am talking about people who are relying on this income, all they are left with is a big bill in the local co-operative to try to play for their ration. It is a crying shame what is happening them. The Minister knows this in his heart and soul.

I thank the people who organised the Beef Plan meetings. People such as Eamon Corley and our own Dermot O'Brien from Firies were instrumental with other people in organising those meetings. I thank the farmers for going to those meetings. This is not a case of one organisation working against the Irish Farmers Association, rather it is a number of organisations which are all united in trying to help farmers to get a fair price. If they do not get a fair price, the farming unit, as we know it, will collapse because they will not be able to continue. All we want is fair play and a fair income for our farmers.

See this speech in context