Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I appreciate that the Deputy consistently raises the issue but I am constrained by state aid rules and have exploited the de minimusprovisions to the maximum extent possible to facilitate the tillage sector. I appreciate that the sector has faced a difficult harvest, not only this year but for a number of years. Not only have we done this, but we will launch the TAMS programme for tillage in January and we have extended the knowledge transfer initiative to tillage farmers as well. Notwithstanding all of that, I appreciate the difficulties the sector faces. However, there is a limited amount the State can do. In terms of the ask set out by farm organisations and at the tillage stakeholders' forum, this was a priority issue for them.