Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Brexit is another issue coming down the line and the beef sector is the most exposed to Brexit with 50% of all Irish beef exported to the UK. The negotiations may take a year or two years and the beef sector will be hardest hit, especially the suckler herd. Teagasc has advised that €4.50 per kg is needed for the survival of the beef industry here. At the moment one would be lucky to get €4 for top quality beef - €3.80 or €3.75 is typical - leaving us short. The beef industry will not survive without some direct payments for it.

The genomics programme is not working. It is half way there but it is not achieving the target the Minister is setting. The Minister has to look at this other thing. I am asking him to keep an open mind on reviewing it.

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