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

The beef farmer has increasingly been squeezed out of business in recent years. The very mention of Brexit a few years ago gave the perfect excuse for the factories to cut their prices which are down from 25 cent to 40 cent per kilogram or approximately €150 per head.

This is a serious concern. Beef farmers are losing money and many of them will not be able to survive and stay in business. The price cuts have happened before Brexit has even hit us. There are over 170,000 people employed directly in the agrifood industry, while 250,000 are employed indirectly in the wider rural area. The impact of Brexit will be felt across rural Ireland.

I am shocked and appalled at the lack of urgency and concern the Government has shown to the beef farmers of Ireland. What they have gone through and continue to go through as they try to provide an income on their family farms is a scandal. I have called for the opening of an embassy in Tehran. Why has no effort been made to do so? When I mentioned it to the Taoiseach two weeks ago, he mentioned everywhere in the world, but he never mentioned where we would be able to sell our beef and perhaps do something for farmers. Why will the Government not agree to have a stand-alone Minister for agriculture? It needs to support farmers by ensuring a meaningful support package from the European Union will be put in place. There is no question but that the Mercosur trade deal must be suspended. We need to see live exports being supported with more lairage facilities and an increase in ferry capacity. The Government needs to acquire further markets for live cattle exports. In addition, it is vital that the suckler cow grant be €200 per cow, not the mean €40 the Government gave.

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