Dún Laoghaire Harbour and farm support
The Leader returned to Dún Laoghaire Harbour, then moved on to the need for European support for farmers and the CAP review. He said Storm Emma response measures were being developed for fodder and payments.
That was the tenet of what came across to me. Rather than have a row with the Senator, because I know she would not want to have a row-----
Comment on this
I will have a row with Senator Buttimer any time.
Comment on this
-----I was giving her the benefit of the doubt. It is important to recognise that Europe has been very good to Irish farmers.
Comment on this
It is, but the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, review is hugely important.
Comment on this
On the CAP review, the Minister, Deputy Coveney, when he was Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, did a great job in securing a very good deal for Ireland under the CAP review. I am sure the Minister, Deputy Creed, and Commissioner Hogan will always fight for the Irish farmer and put Ireland at the heart of Europe.
With regard to the issue of Storm Emma, the Department and Teagasc are working with the farming organisations to ensure that farmers have access to information, advice, support and help, whether with fodder or payments. The Minister has committed that his Department will monitor and work to ensure that any difficulties which emerge will be addressed. Information is available from a variety of sources. It is important, as Senators Lombard, Daly and Davitt referred to, that farmers in rural Ireland during Storm Emma were at the forefront in helping people. We should thank them most sincerely. There are huge issues for farmers with regard to collapsed sheds, farming, fodder, being able to get back to the land and getting cattle out of houses and onto the land. That will take time. The Minister is vigilant and aware of that and will work to ensure that we do the best for Irish farmers.
I congratulate Senator Bacik on the role she plays with others in the House, including Senators Noone, Higgins, Conway-Walsh and Ardagh, in Vótáil 100. I welcome the events this week in the Houses of the Oireachtas. It is important that we recognise the movement we have made and the journey we have to go on. I commend Senator Bacik on her leadership on the issue and congratulate her on her recruitment, poaching or otherwise of Senator Norris to the Technical Group.