Farmers’ and State contributions to TB funding
O’Keeffe asked whether scheme funding came from farmers’ levies and whether those levies would be relieved. The Minister acknowledged farmers paid a considerable share and pledged that the State would maintain its contribution.
Has he forgotten that the money is coming from the farmers or is it his intention to relieve levies? Will he acknowledge that it is the farmers who are producing the money?
Comment on this
I am prepared to acknowledge that the farmers are producing a very considerable proportion of the money——
Comment on this
I hope I was not misunderstood, but I was saying that the balance to be provided by the State is a very important element and I have guaranteed in all discussions with the farmers and the veterinary organisations that we will maintain that level of expenditure.