James Breen (Clare, Independent)

As a member of the farming community I welcome the decoupling of single payments. Significant progress was made in the implementation of the scheme, making farmers' lives more bearable. This step will change the course of farming. The single payment will amount to a virtual farm income in many cases. The return from the marketplace must be maximised to ensure farm incomes increase. It is important that costs are controlled, quality programmes are introduced and we invest in markets prepared to take our produce.

As agricultural exports amount to €7 billion per annum, they must be protected and improved. How much beef has been imported? Will the Minister confirm that large numbers of hotels and restaurants are importing sirloin and fillet steaks?

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