Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Farm contractors and forestry contractors made a presentation in the audiovisual room here some months ago. They represent a vital component within the industry. They were pleading with the Government. They asked to meet the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, who has ignored them, and the Minister for Finance. At €1.51 per litre, agricultural green diesel is now three times the price it was last year, with the additional cost of the AdBlue. This industry is vital for the delivery of our crops, our harvest, our food supply and timber for building. They want a certain amount of fuel ring-fenced for the harvest to ensure they can continue. Nothing has been done and no heat has been taken off them. It seems the Government is not interested in them. Is the Government trying to create a situation where it will starve the people and there will be no food? What is happening seems obvious to me. It is the same as it is doing with its policy of inward immigration. It is madness, to be honest. However, Ministers will not even meet the people and listen to them. They are elected to represent the people in Government and they have a duty to meet these incredible organisations. When will Ministers meet them?

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