James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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1414. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will allow farmers (details supplied) that sold cattle during the reference period to enter into the beef exceptional aid measure scheme; if not, the reason these farmers will not be covered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35754/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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All details relating to Beef Exceptional Aid Measure are set out in the Terms and conditions published on my Department's website:

The scheme, which has been agreed with the EU Commission, was designed to ensure that the aid is effectively used and targeted towards those most affected by the market disturbance in the sector. It is not possible to change the terms of the scheme at this point.

With regard to mart sales please, the terms and conditions of the scheme provide that, where an animal has been presented for slaughter by an agent or by a dealer within 30 days of purchase, including those purchased in the mart, payment may issue to the immediate previous herd owner or in respect of the previous eligible herd number, where that herd owner is an applicant.

I recently extended the closing date for BEAM applications to 15th September. There is a helpline in place to deal with individual farmers queries and my Department will be holding a number of online clinics in the run up to the extended closing date.