Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

What are the Minister's views in respect of the necessity for an annual €200 payment per cow for our suckler cow herd? It is under tremendous pressure, with numbers are dropping by the day. We also see the potential impact of the Mercosur agreement, to which it looks like the Government is going to have to acquiesce in regard to the 70,000 tonnes.

Another factor is Brexit and the fact that 50% of our beef goes to the UK. As the Minister responsible, I am interested in hearing his proposals and thoughts on trying to provide supports to ensure that this important sector is maintained.

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