Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have been talking to the Minister about this. I want to make it very clear to the Deputy that we fully appreciate the very significant difficulties the pig industry is facing right now. These are normally enterprises that are viable and productive, they have done well and they create about 8,000 jobs in the economy. We want to do everything we possibly can to be of assistance during what is now a perfect storm for the industry due to a number of market issues, such as African swine flu, plus the war and the inflation of input costs. We acknowledge all of that. The Minister had an initial scheme which was funded up to €7 million and which allowed a maximum payment of €20,000. The Minister met with the groups yesterday to see what more we can do to try to bring an intermediate resolution of this crisis, so we can get through this period and remain intact when times get better.

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