Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I do not mean to put the Minister of State on the spot with a question and she can answer it in rotation with the rest of the members. She mentioned Commissioner Hogan and the package for beef farmers. Since that announcement there have been many questions as to how it will make its way to the people who need it most, to put it bluntly. These are the people producing beef, not the factories, exporters or anybody else. It is about the farmer who produces the beef. How can they see the bottom line panning out better for them? Will the Minister of State give clarity as to the way the package could have an impact in a positive way on the small farmers producing or buying calves, fattening them and keeping them for a winter or two and then selling them to the factories? In many cases they only break even or lose money. Others have a marginal profit, meaning the industry is on its knees. That is why it was acknowledged that a package was needed. Getting a package is one thing and I am grateful for it. The members know I do not care who helps and I will compliment anybody who does it. How will the money get into the pockets of the right people and those who deserve it?