Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is not just the Rural Independent Group that is saying farmers are very concerned. Deputy McNamara and many others on this side of the House are saying it too, as, I am sure, are members of the Minister's party and other parties in government. Macra na Feirme does not often organise marches. It is only when it has a genuine case, an urgent need arises or an obstacle occurs that we see its members gathering outside Leinster House. They are here because they are worried about their futures. They need to have confidence that the Government will deliver and support them. Input costs are rising all the time. Price is crucial. We have discussed it so often in the House. I became a Deputy in 2016 and the issue of price and the lack of transparency and so on was discussed then. Is it any wonder farmers are demoralised? We have to retain the farmers who are in the sector but we also need to secure the future. We need to ensure we are encouraging the next generation into farming, that it is a positive sector and they can secure a viable income. The only way to do that is to call out the retailers that are short-changing them, as well as calling out the processors, and ensure there is accountability. The Minister referred to data collection in the context of the food regulator, as did I. There must be real accountability. Fines must be imposed to show we mean business and are standing up for Irish farmers.

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