David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The situation for farmers is catastrophic, particularly farmers with medium and small-sized farms. There is no question or doubt about that. Everybody else seems to make money out of the sweat from farmers' brows. Prices are chiselled at the meat factory and supermarket yet, for farmers, their costs have risen and incomes have decreased.

I was appalled at the remarks made by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he appeared to draw a parallel between the dignified protests of the farmers and the kidnap, torture and attempted murder of Kevin Lunney. I do not think there is any such parallel possible. It would be no harm if the Minister withdrew his remark and apologised.

Finally, I wish to discuss the business of C&D Foods that was bought by Larry Goodman. The enterprise used to be a petfood factory that was owned by Albert Reynolds. Larry Goodman is a gentleman who is a millionaire many times over. He has milked the taxpayers of this country for decades. It is a bit rich for him to hold up the process and refuse to withdraw injunctions against a couple of-----