New Figures Show Massive Increase in Farm Fertiliser Costs

The Aontú leader, Peadar Tóibín TD, has said that farmers must be a priority in the upcoming budget. He was speaking after new figures released to him following a parliamentary question show a massive increase in fertiliser costs.

Deputy Tóibín said "It is hard to explain the awful situation many farmers are in across the country, with sharp rises in input costs for farming, but a stagnant or only slight rise in the price received for the finished product. I heard someone saying recently that if a burglar were to break into a yard the most expensive thing they'd find to steal would be a bag of fertiliser!"

"The war cannot be blamed for everything, fertiliser was increasing before the invasion. Due to the actions of the beef factories, many farmers have been left stuck in a situation where they are not making profits and yet cannot pull out of the industry due the level of debt they've incurred".

"There are many farmers in the country whose mental health, relationships, and families are suffering enormously due to the economic strain on them. Rural and regional Ireland and famers need to be prioritised in the budget in a few months time", concluded Tóibín.

ENDS

______________________________________________
For Oral Answer on : 13/07/2023
Question Number(s): 45 Question Reference(s): 33818/23
Department: Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Asked by: Peadar Tóibín T.D.
______________________________________________

https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2023-07-13/45/

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.