Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this very topical and important issue. As a beef and suckler farmer, I recognise and appreciate the value the beef sector plays in rural Ireland, the role it plays in many communities and its value to our agrifood exports and reputation as clean, green and sustainable food producers.

It was inevitable that we would reach this point. Over the years, we have seen a progression from a point where farmers received most of their income from the marketplace to a point where every time there was a crisis, Governments responded to requests for further aid and support. This was accepted but at some point it had come to an end. We have moved to the current position.

I commend the Minister, Department officials and the various other participants in the process on their efforts and willingness to engage with each other in recent weeks. They tried to come to an agreement and persuade two polarised sides to move a little bit and take a leap of faith. This has not been easy and challenges remain but I believe these can be overcome.

We must first realise what has been achieved. The people who are still protesting do not realise what they have achieved by bringing this issue to the fore and concentrating minds, particularly in the meat processing industry, which, whether real or imagined, has taken the primary producer for granted.

In a world with a growing population in which food production will become more important but seems to be taken for granted, it is ironic that Ireland, a country that can produce food as efficiently and sustainably as any other country and better than most countries, is coming under pressure from wider society and other sectors to curtail food production. That is nonsensical. I am a primary producer and it is a basic requirement that primary producers and the generations of producers that will follow feel that a viable livelihood and good quality of life is available to them. There is a quality of life but one cannot live on air. We have to ensure that the primary producer is recognised. The object of the exercise is to ensure that all concerned feel they have a fair and equitable return from and reward for their efforts. The issue has been the breakdown in trust and the adversarial attitude and relationship that have developed over the years. The talks have achieved a lot and I do not believe we will ever go back to a point where we have a cloak and dagger approach.

As to what has been established by way of agreements, I accept that the base price remains an issue. However, the structure of the quality and bonus payment system over and above base is something to be very much welcomed.

The talks have achieved a great amount. I do not believe that we will ever go back to the point where we have this cloak and dagger approach with what has been established by way of agreements. I accept that the base price remains an issue with the structure of the quality and bonus payment system over and above base is something I very much welcome.

In other words, there is €25 million, or thereabouts, of new money in the system as matters stand as a result of that base price. Some 70% of all animals processed today will now qualify for a bonus. That is a positive.

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