Mattie McGrath: Calls for Funds for Ukrainian Refugees and Farmers
Deputy Mattie McGrath spoke on 22 March 2022 about Ireland's response to the Ukraine crisis and the government's support for farmers. He said neutrality had been undermined, urged emergency funds for families taking in refugees, and criticised the government's handling of farm supports and fuel measures.
Emergency support for refugees
He thanked local communities and volunteers who have offered to take in people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine and called for immediate emergency funds to support those families rather than continued discussion. He noted international attention, saying he had seen President Biden would be joining a meeting on the first day.
Critique of government action on funds
McGrath said "it's time the government stopped huffing and puffing and talking about funds," arguing that officials must move from talk to providing available emergency assistance. He compared the government's response to other crises, saying the State is talking about measures while people need practical support now.
Agricultural funding and pig industry concerns
He criticised what he described as a token payment to pig farmers by the minister, saying farmers were left distraught after the meeting and that they had asked for "a 70 million-fold of these" or risk losing the pig sector as the beef industry had declined. He warned the government does not understand basic farming needs and must support farmers properly.
Humanitarian aid and passport difficulties
McGrath saluted volunteers Anthony Lester and Anthony Broxton for delivering tailored health supplies to Ukraine. He said Lester is trying to get his Ukrainian wife and her father home but faces difficulties because they lack a passport after part of their country was invaded years earlier, and that the Department of Foreign Affairs is trying to help.
Farming practice and fuel policy criticism
He dismissed proposals to plant wheat on 21 March as "madness," arguing those who know farming understand sowing must be done much earlier, citing February and even November sowing windows. He also criticised the government's handling of the fuel crisis and urged use of the available "toolbox" to support farmers and rural communities.
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I'm glad to be able to speak in this year today. Minister, I don't like the agenda when I see all these meetings, and item two is security and defence. Our neutrality has certainly been undermined, and it's steadily been undermined, and I see President Biden is also going to be joining the meeting on the first day. But look, to thank the local communities, and the Dane and the Heron, and every Hamlet and Ireland are putting their hand up again. But who spoke earlier? I don't often agree with him, but I do. It's time the government stopped huffing and puffing and talking about funds. And look for the funds, emergency funds that are there. First of all, to support the families that are offering to take in these unfortunate people from this savage war of attrition in Ukraine. I also want to say that there is a fund, what Minister McConnell gave to the pig farmers was just a pittance. They thought they had a good meeting with them. Grown men, farmers of 40 years, cried at that meeting in Kildare, and he thought he listened. He said, see the poor fellow, he doesn't have a clue. They want a 70 million-fold of these, otherwise the pig industry is going to go the way of the beef industry. Sorry, the way of the beef industry. And where are we going to begin? I also want to salute Anthony Lester, and indeed Anthony Broxton from Clonmel and Carrick, who made a journey out with valuable and vital health supplies and proper equipment, very tailor-made to what the people need out in this crisis situation. Anthony Broxton is on his way back, but Anthony Lester is trying to get his wife, who's Ukraine, her dad, back home, and it's proven a huge difficulty because he doesn't have a passport, because the Russians invaded part of their country some years ago, and they have no passport. So the Department of Foreign Affairs are trying to help. I hope they will. We need to help. We will help, but the government are talking about it, the same as they're talking about the fuel crisis. You had a toolbox to bring down the fuel crisis, support the farmers. We're going to be in his trouble. Talking about planting wheat on the 21st day of March is madness. Anybody who knows anything about land knows wheat has to be set no later than February. Spring wheat, winter wheat, can be set up in November, yes, definitely. So, look, they don't even know the basics about farming, and they should know the basics about farming, and support our own people and our farmers. Thank you.
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