I am not sure that is appropriate to the Order of Business, but I take it in good faith.

The crisis in farming is far-reaching, as indicated by the fact that at least three Senators have already raised the issue. All sectors of the agriculture industry are in a deepening crisis. When the country was in an economic crisis, the agriculture sector came to the rescue. It is the foundation stone on which the economic structure of the country has been built. The family farm is a thing of the past. Unless serious action is taken, it will not survive and it will not be viable for a farmer to raise a family with any quality of life on the farm. Farmers have to take on the top-heavy consumer markets daily. The problems of the grain sector have been compounded by inclement weather and in the horticulture sector 80% of mushrooms are exported to the United Kingdom. The mushroom business is taking an enormous hit because of the Brexit vote. It is imperative that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine come to the House for a full, open and frank debate on the actions that can be taken to help the farmers in crisis and to provide some hope for those who may not be in crisis now but expect it around the next corner because of the way the business is going. It is a matter of priority that the Minister come to the House and we have such a debate. Action has to be taken in the budget. It seems to be the norm as we approach the budget that kites are flown.

Fianna Fáil kites.

There is one flying to suggest there will be a hike in the cost of agricultural diesel. If there is any truth in it, the kite needs to be reeled in immediately.

We are looking for aid, assistance and support for a sector which is on its knees. The largest bill on any farm, irrespective of the mode of farming, is that for diesel. If in the budget we hike the biggest bill, we will defeat whatever other actions may be taken as a token of support. We cannot give with one hand and take away with the other. I plead with the Minister to reel in that kite before the budget is decided in order that the farming community will not be hit with a hike in the cost of agricultural diesel.