At the meeting of the Business Committee last Thursday, I asked that the Minister for agriculture come before the Dáil on the grain crisis in this country at present and the sensational drop in milk prices, which is putting some farmers under serious pressure. I also ask that the Minister of State with responsibility for fisheries comes to the House for statements on the struggling inshore fishermen and developments in the Rockall situation and the bluefin tuna quota. How far has the Minister of State progressed on this?

Sentiment score: -0.42

After 27 years of frustration, Uisce Éireann is finally being held accountable following a case brought by the EPA. The organisation was found guilty on both charges for breaches of its wastewater licence at Shannonvale Park, Clonakilty yesterday and fined €4,000. This is a major step forward. It recognises the environmental damages done to Shannonvale Park and to the River Argideen to Clonakilty, a vital local waterway. It also highlights the need to protect water quality near Jones' Bridge, which supplies drinking water to thousands across west Cork. If this were a farmer, would the EPA wait 27 years while raw sewage leaked into the gardens and local rivers in Shannonvale, Clonakilty? No, the farmer would have been fined and put out of business within weeks. Why is the EPA not holding Uisce Éireann accountable in Dunmanway, Rosscarbery, Ballydehob and Goleen where raw sewage is pouring into the rivers? Now that accountability has finally arrived, what is the plan, what action will be taken to restore Shannonvale Park, protect the River Argideen and ensure proper water infrastructure for future generations?

Sentiment score: -0.08