Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

I am concerned that the suckler cow welfare scheme may be abolished or further eroded. That was the basis of my decision to table this question. Over 32,000 beef farmers have participated in the Teagasc training sessions that are required under the scheme. It is vitally important that the scheme be maintained in the first instance. The answer given by the Minister will not reassure the House. Will the scheme be maintained? If so, farmers are entitled to know the level at which it will be maintained. I appreciate that the Minister cannot make a statement on the budgetary position ahead of 7 April next. However, farmers are entitled to know whether the scheme will be maintained.

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