Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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937. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date on implementing the measures agreed in August 2019 in discussions with stakeholders regarding the difficulties facing the beef sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2932/20]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Last year, I established the Beef Taskforce to provide the leadership to develop a sustainable pathway for the future of the beef sector in terms of economic, environmental and social sustainability. The Taskforce will provide a robust implementation structure for commitments entered into in the Beef Talks Agreement of 15th September 2019, with timelines and stakeholder engagement.  The Beef Taskforce offers a suitable platform for strategic engagement with all the key stakeholders, including retailers and regulatory authorities.

There is a specific page on my Department's website dedicated to the Beef Taskforce at.  This webpage contains the agreement reached on 15 September, the Terms of Reference for the Taskforce and updates on actions arising out of the agreement to date.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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938. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of discussions at the recent beef task force meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2933/20]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Last year, I established the Beef Taskforce to provide the leadership to develop a sustainable pathway for the future of the beef sector in terms of economic, environmental and social sustainability. The Taskforce will provide a robust implementation structure for commitments entered into in the Beef Talks Agreement of 15th September 2019, with timelines and stakeholder engagement.  The Beef Taskforce offers a suitable platform for strategic engagement with all the key stakeholders, including retailers and regulatory authorities.

There is a specific page on my Department's website dedicated to the Beef Taskforce at .  This webpage contains the agreement reached on 15 September, the Terms of Reference for the Taskforce and updates on actions arising out of the agreement to date.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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939. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he plans to implement to assist the beef sector in light of the inadequate returns to primary producers and the financial difficulties caused to many farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2934/20]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The Government has provided significant financial support to the beef sector over the past number of years through national funding and the rural development programme. 

In Budget 2020, I have provided almost €85 million in targeted schemes to support sustainable beef farming. This includes almost €45 million for the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) and a further €40 million for targeted supports within the beef sector for suckler farmers and for farmers involved in dairy beef production.Consultations with stakeholders on the use of the €40 million in additional funding have taken place and details of how these supports will be targeted will be made available as soon as possible.

Last year, I established the Beef Taskforce to provide the leadership to develop a sustainable pathway for the future of the beef sector in terms of economic, environmental and social sustainability. The Taskforce will provide a robust implementation structure for commitments entered into in the Beef Talks Agreement of 15th September 2019, with timelines and stakeholder engagement.  The Beef Taskforce offers a suitable platform for strategic engagement with all the key stakeholders, including retailers and regulatory authorities.

There is a specific page on my Department's website dedicated to the Beef Taskforce at .  This webpage contains the agreement reached on 15 September, the Terms of Reference for the Taskforce and updates on actions arising out of the agreement to date.