Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Like others, I want to ask the Minister about the ongoing crisis facing our beef farmers. I would like him to provide some detail on the outcomes from the beef task force to date. I know it first met in December 2019. What has been achieved to date for beef farmers through that forum because there appears to have been no progress on the two main issues that beef farmers have repeatedly raised, namely, the rules around the four movements and the 30-month rule.

Last week, I met a group of farmers known as the Independent Farmers of Ireland Group, who cited that neighbour farmers are closing their gates and that they no longer feel it is right to encourage their sons or daughters to take on the family farm such is the hardship of farming, particularly beef farming. The income is no longer sufficient to sustain a family, which is a really sad state of affairs. It is clear we need radical action to turn that around.

In regard to Meat Industry Ireland, I cannot fathom why the Minister will not agree to review the meat industry, down to its treatment of its workers as raised by numerous Deputies.

The Minister is aware of the ongoing flooding of 1,200 acres of farmland in Roscommon due to Lough Funshinagh. I would like the Minister to outline what engagement he has had with the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donovan, and the OPW on this issue. Will he ensure that on the back of this farmers will be supported? This is not just about land and sheds, it is about livelihoods, farmers and their families, who are in a desperate situation as the flooding spreads day by day. The situation is really grave. I would appreciate it if the Minister could shed some light on the matter.

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