James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Joe Walsh, to the House to prove that he has not abandoned farmers or allowed the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to railroad over the most intensive farmers in the State. Regarding the nitrates directive, he is trying to throw the national interest and good science out the window. We have been promised legislation but the Government is toing and froing with Departments contradicting each other while not accepting expert advice on the nitrates issue. A clear statement should be made. I am pleading with the Minister for Agriculture and Food to take the side of Irish farmers who are undergoing a traumatic time with so many changes being made in Europe. It is important he stands up for them and their rights.