Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister was dealt a devastating blow in the lead-up to Christmas as the much anticipated Bill was suddenly put on hold, causing embarrassment and humiliation. The former Attorney General, Paul Gallagher, single-handedly scuttled the Bill with a legal opinion that confirmed to many that it was dead in the water. In a scathing report, the Irish Farmers' Journalexposed the shoddy and haphazard nature of the legislative and consultative process surrounding this Bill, highlighting the inefficiency and incompetence of both the Minister and his Department. It is inconceivable that the Minister would stand tall and present this Bill as anything but a relic of a bygone era. His credibility has been severely damaged and he is unable to bring forth this Bill with any shred of authority.

The stringent regulations on animal medicines imposed by the EU as part of its effort to curb antibiotic use are commendable. There are, however, valid concerns that the stricter controls will result in a near monopoly of veterinary practices in the sale and supply of traditional treatments that have been provided by smaller merchants for years. Despite the Minister's assurance, it is clear the Bill will drive up prices for essential products like doses and drenches, putting enormous pressure on vets who are already in short supply all over the country. The shortage of veterinary services and coverage, a reality faced by farmers in west Donegal in the Minister's constituency, is testament to the dire state of affairs. The Minister's blunder has cast a shadow of doubt over his ability to lead and manage crucial legislative matters. The haphazard approach to the Bill has drawn criticism from various sectors and raises questions about the thoroughness and due diligence exercised by the Minister and his Department. Farmers and the general public deserve better. They deserve to have confidence in their leaders to make informed decisions that impact their lives and livelihoods.

Furthermore, the new rules on animal medicines have far-reaching consequences that cannot be ignored. The impact on smaller merchants who have been providing traditional treatments for years will be significant. Their survival may be at stake. The increase in prices for essential products like doses and drenches will also have a trickle-down effect on farmers who will be forced to bear the additional costs, leading to decreased profitability and competitiveness. If the Minister pushes ahead with the legislation without revision, farmers will face decreased availability of antiparasitic products and increased costs. The sustainability of the co-operative store network, independent merchants and veterinary pharmacists will be severely impacted. The ICOS has requested an immediate meeting with the Minister to seek an amendment to the legislation.

The Minister must take a step back and reassess the Bill, considering the criticisms and concerns raised by various stakeholders. He must engage in meaningful consultation and ensure the legislative process is transparent and thorough. Farmers and members of the public deserve nothing less but it appears that, yet again, the ordinary people on the ground, including hard-working dairy and suckler farmers, will be worst affected by this. The Minister did not stand by them. He should do so now. His constituency is like my constituency of Cork South-West where hardworking farmers are struggling to survive. The price of veterinary products and fertilisers has gone completely out of control. The cost of fuel for farm contractors has also gone out of control over the past 12 months and the Minister stood idly by. He was quite happy that they took it on the chin because he was running with the green agenda, which will wipe out agriculture.

Deputy McConalogue is the Minister who is standing over that. He is the Minister who stands for the farmers and the fishermen of this country - the two groups he has been failing to stand by up until now.

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