Ms Caroline Bocquel:

The €7 million was sufficient. It was very unfortunate for some processors who applied under the scheme who were not eligible under the criteria. It was a very difficult experience for them and it was very unwelcome. We worked with the sector throughout, from very early days after the scheme right up until when it closed, to try to ensure that aid and support went to as many processors as possible. Some 37 processors received significant support of just under €7 million in total under that scheme. Had the applicants exceeded the €7 million, there was a mechanism to deal with that, which would have been to provide some funds on a prorated basis. There was no question of denying people grant aid because of the budget. They just simply were not eligible unfortunately.