Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There is significant agreement on the pressure sheep farmers are experiencing. I would even agree with some of what has been said by the Ministers in the sense that farmers are looking for a fair price for their work and product. Unfortunately, that is not the situation they find themselves in. In recent years sheep farmers have had to deal with the collapse of wool prices along with rising input prices, Brexit and other international factors.

We know that it does not wash its face as a business at this point in time. Farmers are very lucky if the actual price of wool is sufficient to cover the price of shearing. This does not make sense to anybody who is dealing with this. We know work needs to be done regarding international markets and developing a wool sector. Everyone has spoken about the rights and wrongs regarding the report. I agree with Deputy Carthy in the sense that in some cases the questions that were asked are just being asked again. We are talking about further investigation and further reports. As has been discussed, there is support for the idea of a wool council. Obviously, it needs to be resourced in order to deliver what is necessary regarding the issue we are discussing. I also reiterate that the recommendation was for an all-island wool council. Deputy Carthy has already asked for clarity on that while realising that the Minister will be away. We need to ensure that that particular question is answered.

It just does not make sense that we are awaiting further reviews. At some time, we need to be able to deliver. At this point in time, we are talking about the issue regarding British trade deals with Australia and New Zealand. We know what is coming down the line regarding an EU deal with those two specific countries. This could compound the issue they are facing at present. We need to look at supports. There has been general disappointment that we have not heard anything about supports. I reiterate my party's policy that the sheep welfare payment needs to be increased to €20. The Government's €2 increase from €10 to €12 will not cut the mustard in any shape or form.

As sometimes happens here, it has all been said very quickly and very easily. Insufficient work has been done on the Brexit Adjustment Reserve Fund. Sheep farmers form part of that cohort of people for whom this funding has been allocated. There are issues and obstacles with it. As Deputy Carthy said, the same restrictions do not seem to apply to meat processors and that definitely needs to be rectified.

I hope whoever will be closing for the Government will be able to give me some sort of answer on this. We have discussed the danger of dogs and we are obviously in the middle of the lambing season now. I am talking specifically about an issue that has been brought to me by many farmers and by Councillor Antóin Watters. I am talking about the commonage in the Cooley Peninsula. Louth County Council, the dog wardens and even get An Garda Síochána are attempting to ensure that people understand the responsibilities of dog owners. We need to look at the legislation that underpins it.

I am not entirely sure what "effectual control" of the dog means. If everyone did the right thing, we probably would not need half the rules, but this is a very specific issue. I have no doubt the Minister has had representations in that regard. I know there are wider issues. I spoke to a farmer earlier whom I will call Tom, probably because that is his name, and he raised particular issues. He said we really need responsibility and that we also need enforcement. He said that sometimes when large dogs are on leads, the leads could be 25 ft long so there is no chance of controlling them. We do need to look at this. I know the difficulties with enforcement. Tom also spoke about the fact that at times people are involved in other outdoor pursuits, possibly involving motor bikes and quads. There must be engagement with those who are involved in all these sorts of activities. We need responsibility and good manners. People are talking about the possibility of by-laws, but we must consider legislative pieces also. What does the Minister plan to do in regard to this particular issue? Unfortunately, I will not be here for the response as I have to attend a People's Assembly event in the Carrickdale Hotel, not very far from the Cooley Peninsula. It is on the future of Ireland. I assume stakeholders will deal with some of the issues-----

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