Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to start by seconding the very appropriate motion brought forward by Senator Ward. I want to comment on the organic farming issue. It is very important we should have a decent debate on organic farming. It is important we should not be talking down the organic sector. I do not think it is a slur to become an organic farmer. We have more than 3,500 organic farmers who have signed up in the new tranche. We have nearly 200,000 ha of land now in organics. I am a farmer myself. I am a dairy farmer, not an organic farmer, but I do not believe it is appropriate to talk down or consider the organic industry in a second nature, like others do, unfortunately.

We have 46,000 farmers now who have joined the agri-climate rural environment scheme, ACRES, in recent months. That shows the view of the farming community regarding what and where it wants to go. This kind of idea that if you are an organic farmer, you are a second-rate farmer or it is a slur on your occupation, is something which I take great offence to. A debate with the Minister in this House would be appropriate so we, as a House, can make sure that we have a reasonable voice when it comes to promoting the agricultural industry. There are challenges. I spoke about them in recent days, but we need to make sure we do not talk down one part of the farming sector for cheap political gain. That will do nothing for our society.

The other issue I want to raise, if I possibly could, is the issue of sun cream, which has previously been raised here today. It is beyond belief that the VAT rate on sun cream is 23%, and that it is effectively considered to be a lotion. Skin cancer, as my family knows, is the highest rate of cancer in Ireland, and we need to make sure we have a decent debate. I would like to second the proposal which was brought forward about having a debate on this issue in this Chamber, because it is outrageous that we are paying 23% in VAT while other medications are zero.