Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support the call by Senator Mooney for solidarity among the farming community. Yesterday I supported the call by Senator O'Donovan for a debate on the crisis in the farming community. I welcome the statement made by the Minister yesterday when he said that he had made personal contact with the banks and the merchants asking that the farming community be treated fairly and with consideration and compassion. I hope the period of distress will be short-term. Over the next couple of weeks the farming community should be in a better position when the grass begins to grow and the weather improves. It is appalling that unscrupulous people make money on the back of struggling farmers at this time. I strongly urge the IFA to become actively involved and ensure solidarity in its community so that better-off farmers assist those in dire need. It is appalling that animals are dying of hunger in this day and age. I hope that merchants will play their part in helping farmers.