Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister rightly points out, the last 18 months have been very difficult for farmers and the beef sector, particularly in light of Brexit. Incomes were down by as much as 25% last year as a result of the distortion in the market arising from Brexit. Just before the local elections the Minister and Commissioner Hogan made a big announcement and engaged in a PR drive about how funding had finally been secured to address the loss of income farmers had suffered as a result of Brexit. It was said that this would comprise €50 million from the EU and €50 million from the State. There was no mention of this funding being tied to stock reduction or restructuring before voters went to the polls in the local and European elections. It was entirely sold as a market disturbance measure to address income loss. Farmers were misled by the Minister and Commissioner Hogan in that regard.

We on this side of the House had looked for aid under Article 219 of the Common Market organisation regulation, which specifically deals with income reduction. Why did the Minister not manage to get the European Commission to deliver funding under that regulation rather than what has been delivered here?

Will the Minister clarify whether the €50 million co-funding to be provided by the domestic Exchequer is available and will be in place? Will he indicate today when the money will be delivered to farmers?

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