Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I totally concur with Deputy Carthy. As I indicated to Deputy Denis Naughten, who was deputising for the Ceann Comhairle at the meeting of the Business Committee last Thursday, we have been asking for several weeks for a proper debate on agriculture and the many issues relating to agriculture and food supply, such as the cost of fertilisers, oil and everything else. The Government last night announced some paltry, ha'penny scheme. We need something worthwhile. Is the Government so far removed from the land that it has dumped the wellingtons and is forgetting rural Ireland? It is all about the Pale, Cork city and other places and green projects, and to hell with farmers. To hell or to Connacht; the old slogan. We depend on the farming community. Every village, town and hamlet depends on them, as does our food supply. I want a meaningful debate. The Government Chief Whip could not indicate last week when the Government would give us time to debate the issue here. We need a full and comprehensive debate on farming issues and food supply.

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