Pat O'Neill (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Another matter I wish to raise concerns a headline on the front of today's edition of the Irish Farmers' Journal that inspection penalties under the Common Agricultural Policy have increased by 500% in four years. In this context, I note that farmers become accustomed to weather and deal with it and, for example, they dealt with a fodder crisis this year. However, one thing that really affects farmers is when they receive notice that they are to be inspected by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. They do not know whether they have everything in order and even if this is the case, they are extremely worried. Members are debating two highly sensitive issues in this House over the coming days, namely, the Thirty-second Amendment of the Constitution (Abolition of Seanad Éireann) Bill 2013 and the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill. In the context of the latter, an issue has arisen in respect of the suicide laws in section 9. While I do not suggest that people facing inspection have suicidal tendencies, it does cause worry because there is a loss involved and there has been an increase in penalties of 500% and over the past four years, €4.7 million has been taken back in penalties from farmers.