Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise two issues with the Leader, the first of which is the Mercosur agreement to which Senator Ardagh referred. It is important that we have a debate. The timing of that is not for me. The Leader has a schedule and I know it is pretty packed up as we are approaching the end of the session and nearing the recess but it is important that we have a debate. I note, from the Business Committee, that statements are being taken on the issue in the Dáil. I do not doubt that the Minister is prepared to respond because any Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine who is not prepared for this would be in serious trouble. I ask that there be some discussion in the House about this matter if possible at a time suitable to the Leader, his office and depending on the availability of the various Ministers.

Clearly, the European negotiation team involved in this agreement, as part of the Mercosur trade deal, have totally betrayed Irish farmers. An interesting statement was issued by my good friend and colleague, Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice. He stated: "This deal will devastate rural communities, particularly in the west of Ireland where the suckler and beef farming are prevalent." He went on: "It seems as if European negotiating team is willing to sacrifice the thousands of small family farms in Ireland in favour of the larger industrial sectors." Serious questions must be asked.

I want to touch on issues of traceability and quality. Later this week, we will discuss the sustainable environment and our national and international achievements and goals. On the one hand, people are slashing down forests in some of these countries and applying different standards on the quality of beef while, on the other, our farmers are complying with high standards, which is right, proper and correct, and they are being encouraged to plant and engage in forestry. There is a contradiction and inconsistency of policy and it is an issue we need to debate in this House, particularly at a time of environmental sustainability and the challenges and messages we were given by the electorate in this country during the local elections on that specific issue.

Can we have a debate on Rebuilding Ireland? The Leader indicated previously that the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government would come to the House and hopefully that can happen in the next few days. It has been raised on many occasions over the past few weeks and the consistent response is that arrangements are being made to have the Minister in here. We need to address the issues of buildings, addressing voids, dealing with acquisitions, leasing, rental accommodation scheme, RAS, and housing assistance payment, HAP. These are complex issues and it is about time that we looked at the overall situation and took an assessment of where Rebuilding Ireland is today and how it is delivering. There are many good aspects to the programme and I am a good advocate for most of it, but it is timely, right and proper that the Minister comes to the House and subjects himself to questioning and engagement with Members.