Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The 5% reduction is similar to the actions and requirements taken in the market supply chain reduction a couple of years ago, when the dairy support scheme was provided. I am aware that this motion is a couple of weeks old. I understand that the take-up has been around 80%. It was slow but I encourage all those who are eligible to apply. Assistance is being provided at the ploughing championships and in the Department, which informs people how to qualify and how to apply, and this has been well subscribed to.

The announcement earlier this year by the European Commissioner, Phil Hogan, of an exceptional aid measure was very welcome. We had made the case for some time at Council of Ministers' meetings, and in direct consultation with the Commission, for an exceptional aid package from the European Commission for beef farmers. The available aid was specifically targeted at the farmers who were most impacted by market disturbances. It is a substantial package of €100 million, with conditionality as per the requirement of the EU. It is timebound for a relatively short period but there are more ways than one of meeting the conditions.

Live exports were up by 30% in 2017-18 and this trend has continued to date. Last night, Deputy Penrose outlined some of the realities of what has happened at Cherbourg this year. I would contend that this is not the responsibility of the Department and I would take issue with anyone who would challenge me about that.

A point was made about producer organisations. We need producer organisations to work. We need to step back to enable them to work because they are the one entity around the country that can give farmers a more equal position at the negotiating table as they can negotiate prices. The dialogue we have had so far has achieved a lot. I urge people to stand back and assess what has been achieved as things have changed and will never go back to where they were. Now is the time to make the most of this but the meat industry has to take a step back from legal threats and the protestors have to take a step back from the factory gates. I speak passionately about this as a beef farmer. I want to see the industry survive. It has a crucial role to play in the rural economy in many ways and it is worth preserving.

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