Today, hundreds of farmers travelled voluntarily from all across the country for a peaceful protest outside Agriculture House to send the simple message that suckler farmers are on their knees. Next Tuesday is D-Day for many suckler farmers.

The past 12 months have been horrendous in Irish agriculture, with hard-working farmers experiencing severe pressure. I advised the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine that animal deaths on farms will be at an all-time high, only to be met with shouts of "Nonsense". Figures from the Department records show a 21% increase in on-farm animal deaths in the past 12 months.

Those who came here to protest today want the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to stand up to the factories to ensure we get a fair price for farmers. Will the Taoiseach answer a straight question? These farmers need a fair suckler cow scheme after next Tuesday's budget. If that is not put in place, many of these farmers will be forced to go on welfare.

In response to the Deputy's point, the Minister, Deputy Creed, is attending a meeting of the beef forum today, which the farm organisations decided not to attend. I would have preferred if they had, and I believe the Minister would too. If they want to address the people the Deputy says need to be addressed, those people were present at the forum today. We see much media speculation about differences of opinions on the type of scheme that needs to be rolled out. Budgetary matters are ongoing between the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. No more than anyone else, I cannot divulge the full extent of what will be available on budget day next week because I do not know.