John Carty (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator O'Toole and many other colleagues who spoke on the EUROSTAT. It is damning that a quote cannot be given by the factories for lamb given that we have the second highest prices in Europe. Will the Leader ask the two relevant Ministers to come into the House? As Senator Ellis outlined, there is a cartel which has to be broken if farmers are to get an equitable price for their produce. If what is going on continues there will be no farmers to produce and then we will know their value. I support Senator O'Donovan's call for a debate on fisheries. Senator McCarthy and I attended a meeting recently in Brussels on fisheries where it was stressed that the next couple of weeks will be vitally important to the fishing industry so far as the European concept is concerned.

On a lighter note, I am delighted the Cathaoireach has got a new ally across the way in Senator Buttimer who will support him and is seeking respect for the Chair.