Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is very welcome. I concur with the comments of other Senators about the Minister's visits to all 26 counties. I was in Granard mart when the Minister visited. He gave his time. We did not agree with everything that was said but everyone got to say what they wanted to say. It was important that farmers' views were heard. It is important, leading into any decision with regard to the emissions percentages in agriculture, that there is a full discussion with all farm organisations.

I have a couple of issues to raise. I have spoken to members of the Irish Farmers Association about the beef environmental efficiency programme and the needs in that regard. They have a request that an extra €60 million from the national budget will go into that scheme.

Senator Malcolm Byrne mentioned solar energy and there is an opportunity to utilise the shed space provided by poultry and dairy units and agricultural sheds throughout the country. Solar panels can be installed to create energy that will ultimately feed back into the grid.That will reduce energy usage but provide farm income. It is important significant grants are put in place in that regard.

The introduction of a food regulator was promised. At what stage is that progressing? It has not happened yet but it is important that would be delivered shortly. Members of the Irish Farmers Association are protesting outside Lidl in Cavan today about chicken and egg prices. Many of the multiples are cutting their prices. Irish people want to see Irish products on Irish shelves and everybody would want to get them at a bargain price but, ultimately, it is the farmers who do not get a fair price for their products when those product prices are cut. They are seeking an increase of 15 cent per chicken and 2 cent per egg. When will we have a regulator who will regulate this product market?

I concur with the comments on the price of fertiliser. That has all been said. We need to examine and address that issue. More importantly, there needs to be full engagement with the farming sector.