Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 1997

Vol. 480 No. 6

Written Answers - Farmers' Compensation.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

177 Mrs. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will have arrangements made to provide compensation for farmers whose holdings have been damaged and whose income will be drastically reduced due to recent flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14386/97]

Ivan Yates

Question:

186 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the considerable crop losses arising out of the recent sustained period of difficult weather circumstances; if he will ensure that his Department will carry out a proper assessment of these losses in the south east region, which seems worst affected in relation to grain and horticulture crops; if he will invite applications where people have lost more than 40 per cent of their income as applied in 1993; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14399/97]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 186 together.

The wet weather in August which badly affected the harvest particularly in the south and south east of the country has resulted in crop losses which in a number of cases have been severe. I have had discussions on the matter with farmer representatives, grain merchants and the lending institutions. Teagasc has been asked to undertake an on-farm survey of unharvestable crops to establish the extent of the damage in the most severe cases. The survey is expected to be completed shortly and an overall assessment will then be made of the losses incurred. In the meantime priority is being given to the payment of arable aid which will help the financial position of the most affected.