Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste. I agree with him on the unsung heroes. The €100 million for a beef exceptional aid measure, BEAM, scheme was provided when the price of cattle was down to €320 or €330 to keep a floor under the price of cattle. I am familiar with the new REPS, which is a pilot scheme. However, a pilot scheme will only involve a certain number of people over a certain length of time.

I beg to differ with the Tánaiste on the issue of a commitment because I sat beside his party's candidate. The different farming organisations got a commitment from the different candidates in each constituency and it is there in black and white. The Fine Gael Party, Fianna Fáil and other parties have given a commitment to introduce a new suckler cow scheme to protect the suckler sector in those vulnerable areas.

I welcome the Tánaiste's statement that the GLAS will roll over but we need clarity on it. We do not want to hear the Tánaiste say he does not know when that will be. We need to know when the scheme is coming so farmers are no longer wondering where they are going. The Tánaiste said farmers have been the unsung heroes and he needs to give them clarity. Will he stand by the commitment that has been made to provide a suckler welfare scheme?

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