Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)

This morning I met with IFA leadership who have young farmers and people who are interested in agriculture for a multitude of reasons. They were in Agriculture House. They realise, as we all do, the importance of what is happening in Europe today. We discussed all of these issues. I have nothing but the utmost confidence in the reliability and wherewithal of the Minister to lead us on this matter. The Taoiseach, Tánaiste and everybody from there down across all parties realise the importance of what this will mean in the future. The Senator said it in jest but it is very important that this House and every one of its Member is seen to be uniting behind this effort. We are on the head of a pin. We must focus our efforts on getting this derogation. It will mean so much in the future. Do we have a good case? I believe in the quality of our way of farming and the way we carry on our farming practices. I am passionate about that. In the past every one of us had practices we would not be proud of today, for example, our methods of storing and spreading slurry and of outwintering cattle. Every one of us did it. We were up to that height in gutter. Where was the water and seepage going?That is the way we were but look at the way we are now. Now farmers can go out at night, turn on a light and feed their cattle in a pair of shoes like the ones I am wearing. We have come on an awful lot in comparison with the way we were, especially the few of us who might have grey hair or no hair. We remember what it was like.

We are all trying to achieve the same thing. I thank the Senator for what I would call a timely debate on this matter. I sincerely thank her and her colleagues in the Seanad for rightfully having a debate on this matter.