Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Rather, I showed the stark contrast in the levels of support being provided in the US versus Europe. Many colleagues in the Dáil have highlighted the disparaging level of support of €8 per EU farmer that is being provided.

While we are on the issue of the European model of agriculture, I listened intently to the Minister's response to Deputy Carthy regarding beef imports from other EU states. Will the Minister explain why beef processors are importing beef for reprocessing in this country at a time when we are exporting 600,000 tonnes of beef and Irish finishers are losing between €200 and €250 a head?

My colleague, Deputy Lowry, asked the Taoiseach about bringing forward direct payments from October to July. The Taoiseach stated that he believed it was a good idea and that he had already spoken to the Minister about the possibility. Will the Minister give the House a response to the Taoiseach's request?

Given the six Covid-19 outbreak clusters that have been identified in the meat industry, has any concern been brought to the Minister's Department by its officials in those plants or by the veterinary officers, who are paid by the Department, in those plants about the operation of same or the social distancing that should be applied therein?

Will the Minister clarify something for me? I have been told of allegations about the plants. I do not know whether they are true, but I would like him to investigate. I have been told that staff have been brought into some of these plants from third countries who have high incidences of Covid-19 without the 14 days of quarantine being applied before they start work. Will the Minister confirm this practice has not happened?

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