Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Rather than alluding to obstacles or setting out reasons precluding such measures, the Minister should recognise the importance of the beef industry and the pressure it is under. All politicians should work with the farming community to ensure supports are introduced to sustain the national suckler herd. The average income of the 64,000 farmers who produce calves from the suckler herd is €13,000. Unfortunately, they depend entirely on farm payments under the rural development programme and basic payment scheme.

The Minister referred to the beef data and genomics programme. The original commitment was to open the programme to 35,000 farmers but it was closed when the figure reached 23,000. Will the Minister indicate when the scheme will re-open?

Teagasc has indicated it costs between €4 and €4.50 to produce 1 kg of beef, yet farmers are being paid only €3.90 per kilogram. The beef sector is especially vulnerable to Brexit as 50% of the beef produced here is exported to the United Kingdom. It is crucial that the Minister show a willingness to introduce the supports required to sustain the suckler herd.

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