Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The initial response to the overall package was disappointing in that our farming community expected more but this is only an initial response. The dairy sector, in particular, was welcoming and responsive to this support. What we have done, particularly the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed, is to lead the charge in a response to the Commissioner to seek additional support not only for our dairy sector but, in particular, for the beef sector, where we feel that kind of support was not initially provided. All 26 other member states have signed this letter and the Minister outlined last week that he would engage with the Commissioner again. He has been in constant communication with his agriculture ministerial colleagues this week but we would like to see further support. What has been provided so far will not suffice. The Minister is leading the charge at a European level to try to get a better response from our Commissioner.

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