Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for the indulgence of one minute. I share the concerns of my colleagues and I raised this matter on the Order of Business last week after numerous representations from farmers in the constituency of Longford-Westmeath. I have serious concerns about how farmers will make ends meet because of the horrendous pressure they are under in repaying these loans, on which they were given commitments. A commitment means a promise or a contract that the commitment will be honoured. This was given by the Minister, Deputy Brendan Smith, to the farming community of Ireland because Irish farmers had to abide by EU directives. Now the farmers have elaborate slatted sheds but they have no money to pay the bridging loans. I ask the Minister of State to consider the individual hardships experienced by farmers and their families. Installation aid and the early retirement scheme have been removed and now the commitments given are being reneged upon.