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

I thank Deputy Crowe for raising this issue. The Minister will accept that the €15.8 million that has been earmarked for Ireland out of the EU crisis reserve is a drop in the ocean in terms of the supports our farming families need. The first question to the Minister is, naturally, whether he will he ensure that is co-financed to the tune of 200%, as is within his gift.

The second question that must be asked relates to what interventions can and will he make with regard to input costs. Fertiliser costs have gone through the roof. Has the Minister asked the EU to abolish the tariffs on imported fertiliser in the short term? With regard to fuel and energy costs, will the Minister make a move in relation to excise and carbon taxes on those products to give farmers a small bit of support? The latest revelations that cattle prices at marts are beginning to begin to drop again is extremely worrying when we consider the rising input costs we have been discussing.

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