James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister and Government will be aware, there has been a major increase in costs for the agriculture sector. There has been a 127% increase in fertiliser costs, feed costs are up by more than 20% and energy costs are up by more than 30%. This is hugely concerning and costly for members of the agricultural community. Will the Minister investigate innovative ways to cut costs for farmers, particularly with respect to the SEAI and energy costs? For example, bills for dairy farmers could be in excess of €5,000 to €6,000 for energy. Could the Government look at microgeneration to target high-energy users in the agricultural community as a way of giving back to them? I acknowledge the presence of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy McConalogue, in this regard. This measure would have a major impact on sustainability in agriculture, cutting costs for farmers and having a long-term and sustainable impact on the agricultural sector.

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