asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will provide compensation to farmers in the River Shannon basin area, including areas adjoining the River Suck, similar to the scheme in operation in 1985; if he will indicate the unspent balance of the allocation for 1985; and if this balance is available for the 1986 scheme.
Written Answers. - Weather Damage Relief Scheme.
26.
Due to exceptionally fine weather during September and much of October considerable quantities of fodder were saved and the overall fodder supply position is generally adequate for a normal winter. There may, however, be local deficits in some areas and I am at present considering whether any special measure is needed for such areas over and above the low interest Euro-currency loan of £200 million already introduced and the once-off increase of £15 million in headage payments in the more severely handicapped areas which the EC Commission has proposed.
The 1985 provision in respect of weather damage relief schemes was not fully expended but the unspent provision is not available for 1986.