Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support all of the comments made about the protest, if one could call it that, outside the gates of the Houses. Members were accosted and people who probably thought a legitimate protest was being organised were overtaken by the usual thuggery we have seen in the country over the past 18 or 24 months. Individual elements from a past that this country should not recognise are involved in situations outside the gates of the Houses. It is an absolute disgrace. The brave members of An Garda Síochána had to take the abuse hurled at them, and there was spitting. It was disgraceful and disgusting behaviour. The individuals involved undermined any legitimate campaign they may have had. I listened to some of the contributions at the protest and I did not know what they were talking about. They did not proclaim any cause on behalf of any group or individuals. A lot has been said about the protest, and I commend the staff of the Houses and members of An Garda Síochána.

I ask the Leader to bring the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine before the House. The report on the future of agriculture, Food Wise 2025, was launched today in the RDS. It is a template which follows the strategy introduced by the former Minister, Deputy Brendan Smith, known as Food Harvest 2020. It is a ten-year blueprint for agricultural development and the agrifood sector. However, the sheep sector is currently at a crossroads and is facing a major crisis. According to the current flock register, there are 3.53 million sheep in the county. There are around 450,000 in my county and some 5,500 flocks. In the past fortnight alone, the price per head for a ewe or lamb going to a factory has fallen by €17 on average. It is fast approaching €5 per kilo.Some commentators in the agricultural sector are predicting that it could fall to €4 per kilo. Even if it the price falls below €5 per kilo for lamb production it will become economically unviable and farmers will be forced out of business. This affects particularly counties Donegal, Mayo, Sligo, Galway, Cork and Kerry. We need a debate on the issue and I hope given the urgency of the issue the Leader can facilitate it with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.