Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yes, discussions are going on. I have had much engagement with the Commission and, indeed, fellow agriculture ministers on this. I acknowledge Deputy Crowe's advocacy on behalf of the farmers of County Clare with regard to the challenges they are facing at the moment. I visited his alma mater, Salesian Agricultural College in Pallaskenry, last week. I commend the great work it is doing and the service it is providing, of which the Deputy is a product in terms of the education he received there.

At European level, the Commission has now moved to provide a €500 million European-wide package, which will deliver support of €15.8 million of European money to Ireland. There is the capacity to build that to the tune of 200% in terms of co-funding as well. I am now assessing how we can use that money to provide supports to farmers over the next period. I very much acknowledge the increased cost pressure that is on them and also the importance of working together to ensure we meet those challenges, grow the grass and grain and produce the food.

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