Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome that young farmers have been looked after under the new Common Agricultural Policy negotiations, which was not mentioned.

Regardless of how much money is provided for the suckler cow sector, exporting is the key to supporting the industry. Every farmer who goes into a mart wants to see buyers and confidence around the ring. Deputy Ó Cuív did not mention the markets the Minister has visited or reopened. That is the key to success. Increasing the number of cattle exports will put pressure on the beef industry. We can put as much money as we want into addressing the issue but I would rather give the money to Bord Bia in order that it can export the product the Deputy says is doing so well. Our suckler farms are important, especially in the west, and we should give them the support they deserve. We have doubled what the party opposite cut in 2008.

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