Taoiseach supports Lowry’s request on payments to beef farmers

Following a call from Deputy Michael Lowry to bring forward direct payments to beef farmers in light of the current crisis, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says that the Deputy’s request ‘makes sense’.

Deputy Lowry told the weekly Dail sitting that concerns about the beef sector are mounting and cash flow is a serious concern for farmers during the Covid-19 crisis.

Deputy Lowry suggested to An Taoiseach that EU direct payments, which are due to be made in October, should be brought forward to July to help alleviate some of that financial pressure

“Prices have slumped. Cash-flow is now a major issue for beef farmers in Tipperary and around the country. Could your Government commit to bring forward direct payments to beef farmers from October to July this year?” asked Deputy Lowry.

In response, the Taoiseach said, “they’re EU funds. The farmers would be getting them anyway so it might make sense to bring it forward. It’s not money they wouldn’t be getting anyway, but it might at least help with cash-flow.”