Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is important that people in the Gallery know that Deputies are fortunate to get two minutes to ask a question. The arrangements in the Dáil mean each group gets 15 minutes. Many more back bench Deputies would like to speak on this issue.

I thank the Minister for the commitment he gave me in the House last week that the €100 million provided under the exceptional aid plan will be paid to farmers this year. I welcome that decision. I do not doubt the Minister's sincerity about trying to have the Mercosur deal changed. Do I believe he will succeed? To be honest, I very much doubt it. That is plan A. We discussed the 100,000 people who depend on farming, particularly suckler farming, in the north west and the area I represent. Plan B should involve the Minister seeking to secure funding of at least €200 per cow to support suckler cattle farmers and keep them in business. Otherwise, they will go out of business.

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