McNamara calls for extension of BEAM scheme

Clare Independent T.D. Michael McNamara has requested the Government to extend the time period specified in the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) scheme for stock reduction to June 2021.

Speaking during Thursday’s Dáil Éireann session, Deputy McNamara said, “With the closure of marts preventing farmers from selling cattle, I have requested the Department of Agriculture to extend the time period specified in the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) scheme for stock reduction to June 2021.”

“I have looked at the Commission implementing regulation and my proposal does not seem to be precluded by that. I ask the Government to look into that, as well as how the self-employment measures could be utilised by farmers, in particular beef farmers, who are unable to sell produce and raise money but are still working on their farms. This is creating a difficulty,” added Deputy McNamara.