Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Under Article 219 of the Common Market Organisation Regulations, (EU) Regulation No 1308/2013, it is possible for the Commission to provide funding directly to address income reduction as a result of market disturbance. However, that is not the regulation under which the Minister and Commissioner Hogan have delivered this funding. The irony will not be lost on people that there are strings attached to this fund, which includes a requirement to restructure or reduce the production of beef in Ireland at the same time that the Commission and the Minister and his European counterparts are proposing under the Mercosur deal to increase the amount of beef coming into the EU from South American countries.

I asked the Minister specifically about the €50 million. Is that funding set aside within the Department's budget to ensure it can be delivered to farmers this year? When will the funding actually be delivered to them? Farmers took this income hit last year. They are already out of pocket and need this funding promptly. How will the funding be distributed? It is essential to have a mechanism which properly reflects the losses people had through the selling of cattle and finishing of cattle over that period. The funds must be delivered proportionately to those who suffered those losses. Can the Minister please clarify the €50 million question, when the funding will be delivered and how it will be distributed to farmers?

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