Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In October 2021, the Rural Independent Group brought to the attention of the Government and the Opposition the fact that Ireland had been given a toolbox by the EU to reduce the burden on people due to the high cost of energy. What did the Government do? It raised taxes instead of easing them for people in this country. I see Deputy Leddin is leaving the Chamber. He talked about Putin. What the Government has done to the food producing industry is criminal. There is no alternative to fossil fuels in this country at present.

Unfortunately, there are consequences to Government inaction. I will draw attention to the plight of pig farmers. Some 5% of them have left the market, with 20% or 30% of pig farmers now in crisis and about to go out of business. Energy is the issue. Guarantees regarding the supply of energy and affordable prices need to be given to everyone, but especially food producers. The pig industry sector supports 8,000 jobs and generates €1.7 billion in output. This week, the Irish Farmers Association, Meat Industry Ireland, the Irish Grain and Feed Association and food processors are looking for a pig stability fund. This has to happen for the producing of food in this country. I said to the Government and the Opposition last October that shelves would be empty and that our food producers would not be able to produce food due to the escalating cost of fuel. Currently, in order for those in the pig industry to bring in an acre of extra silage at today's prices costs €50 an acre more. Where does the Government think milk and food will come from in this country? It was given the toolbox to reduce costs but what did it do? It increased them.

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