Paul Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The crisis in farming is far-reaching, as indicated by the fact that at least three Senators have already raised it. All sectors of the agriculture industry are in a deepening crisis. When the country was in an economic crisis, the agricultural sector came to the rescue. It is the foundation stone on which the economic structure of the country has been built. The family farm is a thing of the past. Unless serious action is taken, it will not survive and it will not be viable for a farmer to hope to raise a family with any quality of life on the farm. Farmers have to take on the top-heavy consumer markets daily. The problems of the grain sector have been compounded by inclement weather and in the horticulture sector 80% of mushrooms are exported to the UK. The mushroom business is taking an enormous hit because of the Brexit vote.

It is imperative that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine come to this House for a full, open and frank debate about what actions can be taken to help the farmers in crisis and to provide some hope for those who may not be in crisis now but expect it around the next corner because of the way the business is going. It is a matter of priority that he come in here and we have this debate. Action has to be taken in the budget. It seems to be the norm as we approach the budget, kites are flown.