Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I accept that the pig industry is hugely important in this country. Much investment has been put in place and it has become very intensive. It would be a huge loss for the country, particularly at a time when agriculture and the food industry are growing. There is enormous potential. Every time the Minister leaves the country he sees growing opportunities for our food industry. It is a very exciting industry.

However, I am not in a position, and it would be quite wrong, to say more. I will certainly discuss it with the officials and see what can be done. The situation might be getting worse than it was some time ago. I will revert to the Senator. If the Senator has specific cases in mind and some figures on the issue, perhaps he would furnish me with them and I will talk to the Minister and the officials. Money is scarce as the recent budget proved. It was very difficult to agree the budget. It took a lot of time and there was much pressure from sectors such as forestry, dairy and suckler producers. Across the agriculture industry we had difficulty getting the budget we succeeded in securing. However, if we can have a discussion on this issue, I will try to do something later for the Senator.