Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am very much aware of the income pressure many farmers are under. That is why in the recent budget I secured an 11% increase in funding above last year's amount to ensure that some key schemes will continue next year during the transition period running into the next CAP programme. That is something which is massively important for our farming community. Also, in the context of trying to ensure transparency in the beef sector, the Deputy will know that I have brought forward into the programme for Government a policy on implementing an office of national food ombudsman to help bring transparency to the food sector. I very much welcome the Deputy's belated conversion to the merits of that office and seeing how it can be particularly valuable.

I very much value the work of the beef task force and it is a very appropriate forum in which to examine these issues. In particular, the Grant Thornton report looking at the specifications and at the requirements of retailers and how that interfaces with processors and primary producers is really important. I look forward to receiving it and ensuring that it actually informs how we and the sector move forward.

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