Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for raising what is a very important issue. I fully acknowledge the tillage sector is under significant pressure. I met with some individuals at the recent national ploughing championships and also met with the IFA in respect of the issue, as well as the ICMSA and other organisations.

Substantial support has been allocated by Government, including about €32.4 million under the tillage and horticulture support scheme in February of this year, which the Minister, Deputy Heydon announced. The budget for protein aid increased to €10 million annually from 2024, with an overall Common Agricultural Policy allocation of €47 million. The straw incorporation measure has an allocation of €50 million over five years. Approximately 66,000 ha of cereals in oilseed, rape and straw were submitted for incorporating in 2025 and all farmers will be paid who have applied under the scheme this year. Then there are other schemes like-----

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