Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I cannot give an indication at present about grant aid. This is a matter of negotiation between me, the Department of Finance and the social partners. There is a particularly special case to be made for those who have a 22-week requirement. Equally, there is a case to be made for intensive commercial producers, particularly dairy producers in the south, who also have a problem, although not to the same extent as producers in the four counties mentioned.

The Deputy can rest assured that in a re-evaluation of grant aid and support, the four counties will be uppermost in our minds. The IFA has fired its first shot, seeking aid of 100%. That is unrealistic.

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