Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for attending and giving us an explanation, which is very important. We certainly put the cart before the horse on this, and probably in terms of the scheme. I am interested in what Deputy Ó Cuív said because I have a similar question. I believe there were at least two or three farm organisation representatives on the board. Was this discussed at board level? Did those board members participate? Had they an opportunity to do so? If so, did they set out any views on why, for example, the 60% rate set out in the scheme would be extremely onerous, as opposed to the 50% rate that prevailed? There was a quadrupling.

The scheme should emphasise our suckler herd because that is the genesis of our beef industry. Targeted genetic and breed improvements are essential. If we do not secure such improvements, we are not achieving anything. The beef industry is essential. I come from an area where it is paramount.

I urge every farmer to participate in it because it is important to have it in place, ex-farm gate. Why was the 60% figure selected? It is quadruple the original. It is a significant amount. I am all in favour of improvement. I come from an area where the issue is critical. It is a fairly steep increase. It was one of the points all the farming organisations focused upon. I was a bit perplexed as to why they did not focus upon it before they got out on the pitch, when they were in the dressing room, rather than starting to roar and shout on the pitch, and then we become the focus of the discussion.