asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will carry out an immediate investigation into the death of a large number of sheep and lambs owned by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will consider making some compensation available to this person because of the significant losses due to fodder shortage.
Written Answers - County Galway Livestock Losses.
84.
I am aware of the higher than normal livestock losses this year due to the fodder shortage and the late growth of grass, particularly in the west and north-west. In order to alleviate the difficulties of the farmers affected, hay is being transported by Army vehicles to these areas, including County Galway. In addition, since mid-December last, advance payments of 30 per cent of the ewe premium amounting to £4.90 per ewe and totalling £7.2 million have been made to 23,600 sheep owners in disadvantaged areas. Also in late April headage payment advances of £15 per suckler cow and totalling £4 million were made to 44,500 beef cow farmers in these areas. Funds are not available to permit compensation being made in individual cases.