Seanad debates

Wednesday, 12 February 2003

Fischler Proposals for Agriculture: Motion.

 

10:30 am

John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

With regard to prices, we are still suffering from an intervention mentality. Intervention was greatly important because it gave prices a base, otherwise the position would have been catastrophic. Farmers still believe they must produce for a market that will clear for them at a price and that they do not have to give the consumer what he or she requires. If we are to learn anything from international markets, it must be that it is consumers who will decide and that it is up to the Irish farm industry to provide for them. There are many examples within the processing industry of people who do this well, and they need to be supported.

I have some sympathy with the view that the increase in disease levies was more than it should have been. I am not saying this to the Minister for Agriculture and Food but to the Minister for Finance who comes from my county.

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