asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries what steps are being taken to resolve the matters at present in dispute with the farming community, in view of the possible serious consequences to the economy arising from a prolongation of the present position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Farming Community.
34.
I have no dispute with the farming organisations much less with the farming community. It is doubtful whether the campaigns currently being conducted by two main organisations are in the best interests of the farming community.
I have recently invited the two organisations to the annual review discussions with me and my Department at an early date. I am prepared to discuss all matters of mutual interest with them.
Is the Minister aware that not only are two organisations but that all farmers' organisations are at loggerheads at the moment with the Minister's Department and that no effort is being made to guarantee to farmers any sort of an increase in the price of their produce this year? Is he further aware that the Beet Growers' Association have been discussing their problems with the Sugar Company for the past month and that now negotiations have broken off? What steps will the Government or the Minister take to ensure that the beet crop will be sold this year?
I have no doubt about the essential good sense of farmers generally and the farmers' organisations as well. I do not think that Deputy O'Sullivan should try to exacerbate any sense of grievance there may be at present, because the farming organisations are well aware that the Minister and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries are very anxious to co-operate with them, since their objectives are one and the same. The purpose for which the Department exist and the purpose for which the farming organisations exist are to raise the general standard of living of farmers. I would hope that the Department and the organisations will co-operate together in this. I am not aware of any dispute or of any condition of loggerheads as Deputy O'Sullivan suggests.
The Minister is the only man in the country who is not.
I should like to ask the Minister have words really lost their meaning? Will the Minister not agree that not alone is there a dispute between the Minister and the farmers, but the Government are at war with the farmers? Will he not further agree that they are being relegated to being second-class citizens and that, while others have got increases in their incomes, the gap between farmers' incomes and the incomes of other sections has widened to over £8 a week? Will the Minister not agree that on the eve, perhaps, of our entry into the EEC, when the farmers and the Government should be sitting down together and co-operating and planning for the future, the Minister is at loggerheads with them? Will the Minister now invite all farming organisations to come in and sit down around the table, and will he give justice to the principal producers, the farmers of this country?
I am aware of the fact that Deputy L'Estrange would very much like to see the situation that he has been describing, a condition of——
I should like to see the Minister telling the truth some time, if he wants to be personal. Tell the truth some time.
Who wants to be personal?
(Interruptions.)
A dispute between the farming organisations and the Department—that situation does not exist. As regards the second part of the Deputy's speech, I have already invited the two main farming organisations——
(Interruptions.)
A Cheann Comhairle, I have been informed that the Minister called me a pup. I want to say that I will not allow a perjurer call me a pup.
(Interruptions.)
On a point of order, the Minister for Industry and Commerce used the word "pup" in reference to Deputy L'Estrange and when I asked him did he say it he nodded to say he did. I would ask you to ask him to withdraw that remark.
I did say this and if I was mistaken I withdraw it.
Withdraw it properly.
(Interruptions.)
He said it. Why did you not listen to him?
Order.
Tell us something about the money your wife burns in the fire at times that appeared in the paper, the cheques and the money you get each week?
Deputy L'Estrange should not continue to abuse the privileges of this House.
I have been called a pup and I am telling the truth.
He has withdrawn it.
If there are low standards in this country it is time it was pointed out that the Fianna Fáil Party are responsible.
The Deputy is a disgrace to Parliament.
I will tell the truth at all times and 99 per cent of what I have said in the last three years has come out true. It is bad for the Irish people that it has but it has come out true, 99 per cent of it.
Riar na hOibre.
The Deputy is accusing me of refusing to accept bribes.
Question Time has concluded.
I am proud to be accused of it.
I should like to get one further answer from the Minister.
There have been sufficient answers, in my opinion.
I am not raising this issue for any political capital but I am well aware of what is happening in the country at the moment and the Minister for Justice, if he was present, is also well aware of it and if you are going to let this carry on any further——
We cannot have a speech.
I am just making this very important point.
May I point out to the Deputy that the Estimate for the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is being discussed by the Dáil and it offers a better opportunity of discussing this problem than Question Time does?
Thank you, a Cheann Comhairle, but I raised that matter when I was speaking on it and you heard it and I am bringing it up now because if something is not done——
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper. Order of Business.