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

I welcome that the European Commission has indicated that market support for farmers under common organisation of agricultural markets, CMO, regulations can be made available when required. They are required now. Fertiliser prices have increased by up to 228% and there have been dramatic energy and feed price increases. Farmers' input costs across the board have increased. These are unsustainable costs for farmers who operate in a distorted market where the dominance of retailers and processors means primary producers do not get a fair price at the best of times.

I welcome the pig sector package announced by Government but it will not be sufficient to meet the needs of that sector. Every agriculture sector needs financial support immediately. Will the Tánaiste confirm that the Government will avail of the flexibility provided this week in a meaningful manner? Will he ensure that happens speedily and that financial supports reach farmers' bank accounts as a matter of urgency?

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