Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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816. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if cattle that are exported live will be considered under the formulation of the new beef exceptional aid measure, BEAM, scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14940/20]

Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The recently announced €50 million Beef package will be targeted towards beef finishers in recognition of the fact that they have borne the most immediate and severe economic impact arising from the market disturbance arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme is being designed to be as farmer-friendly as possible to ensure that the support can be most effectively targeted where it is needed.

My Department officials have engaged with farming stakeholders, who were also invited to make written submissions regarding the development of the scheme. These submissions are now under consideration and the measure is under development.

The measure is required to be notified to the European Commission under the new COVID-19 temporary exceptional aid framework. My Department is currently finalising the required documentation and expects to be in a position to submit the formal notification shortly.

I hope to be in a position to announce details of the measure, including terms and conditions, in August.