Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Farmers know the consequences of the MFF, as we have been very upfront and transparent about it. The Deputy is repeating negative messages to try to upset people. The MFF negotiations were a significant success. We limited the reductions in direct payments to about 3%. Two years ago, people were talking about reductions of 30%, so the Taoiseach did a great job in protecting Common Agricultural Policy money and forming alliances with other countries, particularly France, to limit the losses. There is some loss, however, and farmers know that. We have been open and transparent about it. I cannot give figures on pillar 2.

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