Mattie McGrath Defends Rural Ireland and Mocker's Two Days of Action
Mattie McGrath spoke in support of rural communities and the President of Mocker's campaign, defending farmers and their two days of action. He argued that young people need a vibrant future in rural Ireland and criticised the demonisation of farmers while referencing an unjust transition in the Midlands.
Mocker campaign and parliamentary notice
The President of Mocker has written to every Oireachtas member, and McGrath said the two days of action are grounded in what the organisation has asked for. He described Mocker as a vibrant organisation and praised the work it has done.
Calls for a future for young people in rural Ireland
McGrath emphasised that people love rural Ireland and want to live there, and that young people should have a future in rural communities. He said the farmers who organised the actions want to be met rather than have their concerns reduced to census quotes.
Demonisation of farmers and the Midlands transition
He criticised how farmers have been demonised and pointed to the "unjust transition" that affected the Midlands and the bogs. He said farmers want to play their part in addressing climate change but also seek a secure future and not to be "banished to hell or the Connacht."
Commemoration and upcoming meetings
McGrath noted Mocker's 79 years and their 79-kilometre walk from Attaito to commemorate that milestone. The minister added that he would meet a delegation from Mocker that afternoon, had read their statement and the eight points they are raising, and looked forward to the meeting.
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The President of Mocker has written to every Oireachtas member, and the two days of action are based really on what they have asked for, and their action is grounded on the desire for young people to have a vibrant and prosperous future in rural Ireland. We love rural Ireland, and we want to live in rural Ireland, and we want our children to have a future in rural Ireland and rural communities. And that's what they want. They don't want your quotes from the recent census. They want you to meet them. You will agree with what they're saying or you don't. And if anything, with the flight of your lieutenants from rural Ireland that are hanging up their shoes, boots here, I think you don't have much confidence in rural Ireland. So, Mocker, a vibrant organisation, wonderful work they've done in the last 79 years, walking 79 kilometres from Attaito to commemorate that. And please, please, please, they've been demonised as farmers in general are, from everything. We look at the unjust transition that happened in the Midlands with the bogs and what happened there. They are looking at this as well, and they see that farmers have been demonised and blamed for everything. They want to play their part in climate change, but they want to have a secure future and not be banished to hell or the Connacht. Thanks, Deputy. As I mentioned earlier, I'll be meeting a delegation from Mocker related this afternoon. I have read their statement and the eight points that they're raising and look forward to the meeting. Thank you.
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