Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister mentioned forging alliances after the impact assessment. That unnerves and concerns me greatly. The Minister and Commissioner have been informed of the serious and genuine concerns of the farming organisations such as the Irish Farmers Association. Our beef farmers are struggling as it is and it is unbelievable that the Government has lost valuable time and is on the back foot again on such an important issue. I have serious concerns.

I am from a good agricultural county in Offaly where many beef and suckler farmers are struggling. I ask the Minister to reconsider that.

We know the Mercosur agreement will have obvious impacts on our economy but it will also have an impact on the future of Irish agriculture and its generational renewal which is a serious threat to the sustainability of Irish agriculture. What young person is going to decide to take up farming as a way of life if the industry is in absolute chaos and the future is bleak? That is the situation the Minister is creating. This Government needs to step up to the mark and take action. There have been enough reports and assessments. The Government should take action now before it is too late.

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