The cost of living continues to increase. From this time last year, the prices of daily produce, such as bread, butter, fish and foodstuffs generally, have increased in price according to the latest consumer price index. The price of electricity has gone up by 9.2% from this time last year. One of the biggest increases was in the price of home heating oil. It is up a staggering 29.4% compared to June last year. In practical terms, that means that someone purchasing 1,000 l of home heating oil this time last year would have spent €550 and it would cost €712 today for the same 1,000 l. That is continuing to increase. I raise that because, with the Government now in negotiations on the budget, the social welfare payments and fuel allowance have to reflect the price that consumers find here. Many people are struggling to survive.

The farming sector is facing what it calls the perfect storm this year. We have had a very poor spring, a shortage of fodder as we speak, and a continuing drought. The Government set up a task force earlier in the year to look at the fodder crisis. I ask that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine re-establish that task force because I have serious concerns that the farming sector is going to face the biggest crisis it has ever experienced. The Government needs to get a grip on it. Do not leave it too late. It is time to re-establish that task force and consult with the farming organisations so that a proper plan can be put in place to address the serious problems that face us down the road.