Joe O'Toole (Independent)

Despite the fact that I am seen as a trade unionist I fully support investment in rural Ireland and the development of agriculture. It is a key industry and a crucial part of Irish life. The farming community and particularly the IFA should be asked to look at certain issues.

I listened carefully to Senator Dardis's speech. To give an example of the sort of double-think which I hear about regularly, Senator Dardis talked about the importance of income support in farm families which often need a second income. I was appalled to hear the president of the IFA call on the Government recently not to pay the benchmarking award despite the fact that the salaries of many teachers, gardaí, nurses and various others are going into farming houses around the country. It was neither strategic nor sensible to say this.

We should show support for the farming community and the agriculture industry because there is no bridge or link between the farmers' concerns and the consumers' concerns. Recent surveys have shown that the price of milk in some outlets is 500 times greater than the price farmers are paid for it. Why? This is an area where the Government can become involved. I agree that they cannot interfere with the competitiveness of the beef industry by stopping imports. That will not work, but there are things which can be done. There is a rip-off taking place.