Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

When the Minister was answering my questions about the national herd, I think he said we need to lower the animal numbers. Does that not amount to the same thing as reducing the herd? I also asked him for his thoughts on the €70 million that was given last week to the beef and dairy processors, including Dairygold, Dawn Meats and Kepak, all of which have enormous profit margins. How does he think the farmers, particularly the poorer farmers, feel about that? I know they are very bitter about it. I ask him to give an explanation for it. I know that was done by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine and the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Varadkar, launched it, but perhaps the Minister has some thoughts on it.