Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate what the Minister has done so far but there is more that could be done. Farmers repeatedly hear that it is not possible to support them in certain ways due to European state aid rules, yet the European crisis reserve provided €15.8 million and allowed for co-financing at 200%, up to €31.6 million. However, the Minister opted for the minimal approach instead. What could have been crucial revenue for many farmers, including the pig farmers about whom the Minister spoke and who have been impacted by this crisis, has been forgone.

Fourteen EU countries believe so much in their farmers that they will co-finance to the level of 196% or higher but Ireland is not one of them. I know the Minister had to notify the European Commission of his intentions regarding the European crisis reserve by the end of last month. Given the current circumstances, I believe there would be an opportunity in that regard if the Minister were to engage with the Commission. Will he do right by our farmers and contact the Commission to see if we can we get the permission unlocked for that funding?

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