Dairy firm to pay 'hardship bonus' to farmers

One of Ireland's main dairy companies has announced plans to pay a "hardship bonus" to farmers.

Lakeland Dairies says it will pay its milk suppliers an extra half a cent per litre for every litre of milk delivered in the months of July and August.

It says farmers will receive the cheques in the post over the next week.

The company's chairman, Padraig Young, says the new payment will be reviewed on a monthly basis.

The Irish Farmers Association has welcomed the move and has called on other, larger co-ops to make a similar gesture.