Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Of course we need to improve efficiencies and reduce dependency on artificial fertiliser. However, we need solutions in the here and now. I asked the Minister about the Brexit adjustment reserve fund and he did not mention it in his response. I will give him another example of how the Government can set out a clear sign of its intentions. In May, it is the Government's intention to increase the carbon taxes again. That increases virtually all of the input costs for farmers. People might think farmers are exempt from the carbon tax in terms of their own fuel but the truth is that many farmers use farm contractors to carry out work on their farms and they are not exempt. Increases in carbon tax also mean increases in the cost of farm contractors and every single input on a farm. Will the Minister, who has a responsibility to protect our family farms, bring a message to Cabinet that the proposed increase in carbon tax in May must be suspended, if not ceased altogether?

See this speech in context