Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I accept this has been a very difficult year, with farmers encountering many difficulties, particularly in March, April and well into May. Problems arose because the weather did not improve and dealing with the consequences was difficult for many people, which I accept and understand. The Deputy referred to the funding of AEOS. My understanding is that when this Government came to power, despite the fact that the previous Government had made commitments, there was no funding for the AEOS and the incoming Government could not implement it. Through negotiations within the budget, the Minister, Deputy Coveney, found the money for the scheme. I am amazed that the Deputy is asking for more funding in that respect. It is difficult to get funding at any stage so I wonder where the Deputy would get it.

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