Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I raise this matter because of the urgency attached to it. As he is involved in the farming business, the Minister of States fully appreciates the difficulties farmers face. There is a sense of urgency attached to this issue. With other farm bodies, the new beef group has put forward some proposals which are credible and should be explored if the sector is to have a future. I would appreciate it if the Minister of State gave them serious consideration as rural Ireland depends greatly on farmers doing well. If farmers do well, the local economy tends to do well also. Conversely, when that does not happen, we have a serious problem. The cloud of Brexit is hanging over us. It is a worrying and stressful time for farmers, particularly for those in Border areas. I would like to see the Government taking this issue very seriously and bringing forward proposals to help to alleviate the situation in which farmers find themselves.