Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

The market decides that as well. This is a support to help the industry to maintain a critical mass such that we have adequate product for the processing industry as well. We export two thirds of what we produce in this country. This very important sector is worth €250 million per annum. The targeted additional funding that is to be provided will arrest the decline in numbers that has occurred over recent years. I believe it will set the sector on a firm footing to expand, rather than stand still, in the future.

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