Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Members for their constructive engagement on what is the most difficult, protracted, long-running and challenging issue that has arisen in the agricultural agenda for a long time. I thank not alone those who spoke but all Oireachtas Members of my party, all parties and none with whom I engaged intensively in the past several weeks in an effort to make progress on the issue. I appreciate the bona fides, wisdom and assistance that was freely given and the advice that was offered. I like to think the agreement we reached was informed by that spirit of co-operation and generosity. There is a recognition that this is an issue that is above party politics, which has polarised the farming community, and there is a requirement to find a solution to it.

To those who have been involved in the pickets, I say that they have made their point. They have probably made it more forcibly than anybody in my memory has made a point about how disaffected, alienated, excluded and disappointed they feel.

There comes a time, however, when protest has to end and we have to resume normal business. I believe it is the distilled view of most Members of this House that we would earnestly appeal to them on that basis to say the time has come to stop. They have made their point. They have made it eloquently and passionately, and I know they are invested emotionally in the cause they have given so much to over recent weeks.

I fear we have reached a tipping point in this protest, where its continuation now serves to do irreparable and irreversible damage to the industry that we all profess to want to serve. We live by our reputation in the international market. We have a good reputation and it has been enhanced by those farmers and the quality of the product they produce. It has been enhanced by those like Bord Bia which, on the international stage, is as good as any body I have seen and probably the best at what it does in terms of the global reach and the professionalism it brings to giving us a reputation in those international markets, which many would seek to displace us from. The international marketplace is very competitive, and it is particularly so in beef because it is oversupplied. In the markets we are predominantly reliant on, we are looking at consumption that is flatlining and consumption patterns that are changing, as Deputy Ryan alluded to. The newer markets, where there is potential, are probably not yet as financially rewarding as the more mature markets we are in. As I said, we are now at a stage where our reputation is in some jeopardy and others are only watching to take our market share. I appeal to those who have made their protest eloquently to consider that the time to stop is now.

It is indicative and worth reflecting on that seven farm organisations of different hue, view, motivation, background and membership came together and collectively, in very intensive negotiations, reached a conclusion. It takes some bravery to negotiate and to acknowledge that one cannot get in negotiations everything one wants, and to compromise. It is significant that seven organisations that came to the table approved the deal that was concluded. I acknowledge the nuanced approach of the Independent Farmers of Ireland and that, on the day, they said they would have difficulty with it. However, all seven did put their hands up to commit to sell this deal to the farmers on the picket line. It is worth reflecting on the significance of that alone because, as all of us collectively know, they are not easily pushed over. Farm organisations are probably among the most effective lobbyists and campaigners. When they recognise that what is on the table is the best that is on offer now, but that there is also within the agreement a roadmap to address other issues of contention, that is worth reflecting on.

One of the very positive things that has come out of all this, and I think it will be a lasting legacy, is producer organisations. We have been on a roadshow around the country for more than two years and have approved various facilitators, but I take my hat off to the people who seized the opportunity and who now recognise that the way to progress the partnership that should be at the heart of this industry is through producer organisations. I would say to farmers to seize the opportunity. There is plenty of room for more than one producer organisation. When people control significant numbers of cattle through a producer organisation, they have leverage in those negotiations, they can negotiate price and specification, and they can share risk and plan with greater certainty. I acknowledge the endeavours of those who took the initiative to establish it and, indeed, to the officials in my Department who have been recognised by the producer organisations as having been very helpful.

While I acknowledge all of the people who contributed and their bona fides, this is the critical time. Collectively, I believe it is time to call a halt to the protests. I appeal to them. I have had engagement personally with protesters from west Clare, west Cork, Kildare and the south east, and I have met them in Carlow, as well as through the engagement with all of my Oireachtas colleagues and others on all sides. While I do not want to mention names, some were especially helpful and insightful, and a bridgehead to the picket lines. All of us in the House have a good understanding of the issues. I believe the deal represents the best way forward to deal with those.

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