Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I too wish to be associated, on my behalf and that of the Fine Gael group, with the remarks on the sad passing of Austin Currie. I offer condolences to his wife, Annita, who herself suffered greatly at the hands of loyalist paramilitaries, and to our colleague, Senator Emer Currie. Austin was a man of peace and decency who, with John Hume, Gerry Fitt, Seamus Mallon and others, kick-started the civil rights movement in Derry and across the North. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

There was an exciting and at times difficult public meeting in Athenry mart on Monday in respect of Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, proposals. Politicians representing east and west Galway were in the ring of the mart. There was a good crowd. The meeting was organised by the Irish Farmers Association and there was a significant turnout of very productive and active farmers from the east Galway area, as well as some from west Galway. I understand from the Leader that the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, will be appearing before the House as part of the climate change debates. The Minister of State, Senator Hackett, is due to appear in the Chamber on Thursday to discuss forestry. I am sure the Minister, Deputy Ryan, will come to the House in the coming weeks to discuss transport.

The majority of farmers understand that climate change is real and they accept that agriculture has to play its part. Indeed, it has been doing so for several years. However, it is a difficult area and there is some confusion regarding what is being announced. Farmers are experiencing several things that are happening at the same time. Obviously, there is the new CAP, which is enough to deal with on its own. There are also the climate change issues on top of that and, of course, the price of commodities such as fertiliser is very high due to the current input price of gas. All of those issues are coming at the same time for farmers, so it is a difficult period for them. Those at the meeting on Monday certainly expressed their concern about it.

It is acknowledged that Irish farming and food production is among the most sustainable, if not the most sustainable, in the world in terms of a grass-based system and long grazing periods compared with other countries. We have a responsibility internationally to be part of the movement, to acknowledge the reality of climate change and to be part of the COP26 proposals to limit the impact across the system, and farmers understand that. I look forward to the debate with the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, in the coming months. There are several points and questions raised by farmers that I will put to the Minister in that debate. I am sure he will be able to provide answers in respect of the minute details of the proposals outlined in the climate action plan. I look forward to a debate on that issue as soon as possible.