Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the good news of another positive announcement for the agriculture sector made this morning by the Minister, Deputy Coveney, of the beef genomics scheme. This will put €52 million annually into the pockets of Irish farmers and will make payments to 35,000 different beef farmers. It is an important announcement of a scheme that will improve the breeding of livestock, as well as having a positive effect on the environment, where it will monitor the on-farm carbon assessment of the beef herd. That is all very good news. I also welcome the €370 million for rural housing and while all Members would like to see more money put into rural housing, one must start someplace. I note my local town of Manorhamilton will benefit from an investment of €1 million, which will provide seven new units. Coming from a county with a very low population, this news is very welcome.