PAYE workers were paying to support an agricultural system which had run out of control, Ms Kathleen Lynch (DL, Cork North Central) claimed.

The average income tax take from the PAYE sector last year was £4,087, while it was just £1,031 from farmers, she said.

She was speaking during the resumed debate on a Fianna Fail private member's motion condemning the Government's neglect of the cattle and beef, industry and calling on the Minister to secure the full restoration of export refunds.

A Government amendment endorsing its efforts to secure a full restoration of export refunds was carried by 69 votes to 57.