Speaking at the Macra na Feirme annual rally in Cork on Friday night, Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney confirmed that as well as a flat rate payment for all farmers, young farmers would receive a top up on that payment.

“As well as the payment for farmers, we will then look on a top up on top of that for young farmers... I can reveal that now,” the Minister said.

“That decision has been made. The only question now is how much money will be allocated and whether or not we (the Irish Government) will add to the package with Exchequer funding. That’s a conversation that is ongoing with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. But there will be a top for young farmers,” Minister Coveney added.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal after Minister Coveney’s announcement, Macra na Feirme president Sean Finan welcomed the decision the Department of Agriculture is taking.

“Yeah, we’re naturally very happy. I went into the dairy forum and asked for a top-up for young farmers because young farmers are probably under the most pressure in terms of the drop in milk price. A lot of young farmers are probably not long in the dairy industry and as a result they haven’t had the opportunity to build up the financial reserves that more seasoned dairy farmers have had. So, overall we’re delighted with the Minister’s decision on this,” Finan said.

The €13.7m package for Ireland was part of a €500m package announced by EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan in September.