Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

All of us are used to meeting delegations. I just spent half an hour outside the gates speaking to sheep farmers from all over, some from Sligo and others from Donegal and Mayo. It is a long time since I met such a dejected group, some of whom are at their wits' end. Many of them are on the floor and are losing money. They watch French farmers and other European farmers get up to €8 per kilogram for their ewes when they get about €6 per kilogram, knowing they are at the mercy of the factories, with no real chain of accountability. The input price is at a record high. I spoke to some men who told me it is not just that they will cut back on stock this autumn but that it is about the rows at home over no money. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine needs to come to the table immediately with an exceptional aid package. He needs to set up a proper sheep forum, just like the beef form. He needs to fully implement the 2019 task force recommendations and ensure Bord Bia steps up its promotional work.

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