Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am sure the Ceann Comhairle will agree that it is not every day a Topical Issue is submitted by people from three different political parties. Three out of the four of us do not come from the constituency of Dan Brennan but I know we have the support of all Members of the Oireachtas from Carlow-Kilkenny, including my colleague Deputy Funchion.

Anybody who has heard Dan Brennan give testimony cannot but believe his story because he not only articulates in a very cohesive and strong manner, he also has evidence to back it up. According to this evidence, he raised issues regarding health, the condition of cattle and issues pertaining to the local environment from as far back as the 1990s, and all those issues were exacerbated from 1997 onwards in direct correlation with increased construction. At that stage, he raised numerous concerns pertaining to the location of his farm adjacent to a brick factory. He raised those issues over many years at every level. At one point, by raising those issues, he was accused of being a bad farmer, something that was disputed not only by him and his family but by his neighbours and every farmer worth his or her salt. Then, lo and behold, the factory ceased production in December 2008 and, almost overnight with a click of the fingers, conditions on the farm started to improve. I am not saying there was a direct link but I am saying that all the evidence points to the fact there was some correlation between those two things because the evidence suggests Dan Brennan was and is an excellent farmer. I am asking the Minister to use his good offices to ensure this man gets the truth and justice he so dearly deserves.

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