I welcome the package presented on Sunday and recognise we are living in unprecedented times. We simply cannot forecast where this is going or predict where it will end. When the first fuel package was released, the response to the agriculture sector was simply insufficient and an insult to a critical cornerstone of our economy. Many members of the agriculture sector were on their knees long before this fuel crisis. Will the Minister of State please reassure farmers, contractors, the haulage sector and the fishing industry that this package will be continually reviewed in light of the fluid and volatile situation in the Middle East? On the supports available, can he ensure there will be a simple, swift and effective claims process so our constituents will not be weighed down by additional paperwork and bureaucracy? We pride ourselves on the quality of our agrifood. We are known all over the world for the high standard of the food we produce. What about the producers, the farmers, fishermen and contractors? Are we supporting them enough and do we respect the work they do? Based on the conversations I have had with many in this sector, long before this fuel crisis, the answer to that question is "No". We need to act on this and we need to act swiftly. On home heating, I acknowledge there has been an expansion of the fuel allowance payment scheme but we need to do more.
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