Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

-----and that we look at creative and practical solutions, particularly for small farmers, before it is too late. The reality is that there is a worldwide glut of beef. That is one of the key reasons beef production has become only marginally profitable in Ireland in recent years. That glut is effectively driving down the base price, even in situations where we are not comparing like with like in terms of quality.

Any comprehensive review of where we are needs to consider the system of distributing EU payments, which appears to be inequitable. That has been a criticism over many years. The farmer with the biggest farm gets the largest payments and this has led to the swallowing up of small farms, particularly those producing beef, by larger dairy concerns. It is essential that the position regarding farming subsidies should be reconsidered and that these should, perhaps, form part of a basic payment relating to the maintenance of soil quality on and the diversity of farms.

This may give financial security, particularly for small farmers, to consider diversifying from beef. There is rethink needed on the short, medium and long-term approach. I appreciate that there is a crisis at the moment and it is difficult to get beyond that.

A resilient farming sector depends on diversity of production. In Ireland, of all countries, we should know that. It has also been shown by Teagasc that organic beef farming is more profitable than conventional farming. Many consumers are prepared to pay a premium for ethically produced beef. For most people, however, the decision will hinge on how much money they have in their pockets.

Support payments are not provided for the horticultural sector, which means it is very difficult for Irish growers to compete against the geoponic polytunnel deserts. Small horticultural ventures need basic supports to buy equipment and build up supply chains.

Brexit goes to the heart of food security. Buying Irish has never been more important given the threats to the agrifood sector and the security of supply lines. Encouraging farmers to "put up or shut up" and stay in an unprofitable business is mad. They will not do so and we should acknowledge that.

If prices are controlled by what has been repeatedly described as a cartel of processors, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has an important and immediate role to play. The Taoiseach made the point earlier today that it would be illegal to set the base price for the producer. He cannot have it both ways, however. If the processors are engaged in cartel activity, it needs to be properly investigated and we have an organisation to do such an investigation.

This is an opportunity to work with farmers rather than fight them. We need to better support them through diversification and generational renewal.

In the context of over-production of beef, the strong negative reaction to the proposed Mercosur deal is completely understandable. It is not just the rearing of capital for the beef sector that needs to be considered. It is the spin-out jobs in rural communities, which in turn drive local economies, that need to be considered. The Mercosur agreement is not just a bottom line exercise where other sectors of the economy are compared. That is without mentioning the unsustainability of the approach taken in terms of climate change and the proximity to markets.

In the current dispute, we completely understand why farmers feel the continued need to protest. The best chance of getting a solution is to reconvene talks, while acknowledging, as I do, the serious efforts that have been made, especially at the weekend. When this dispute is considered in the context of the impact it is having, it is clear the Minister must make another effort to get people around the table again to see if there is one last chance of finding a resolution to this. It will not be resolved by people on both sides engaging in a stand-off.

See this speech in context