Vol. 494 No. 4
238 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on whether the £10 million proposed by him and approved by the Government for the fodder scheme is totally inadequate; the steps, if any, he intends taking to increase the amount of money required on the basis that there is currently a £50 million problem in agriculture and farm income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18781/98]
The £10 million being made available by the Government is only one of a series of actions taken to deal with the current difficulties in farming. I also announced that I had sought EU Commission approval to continue the sheep headage top-up equivalent to £2.75 million. The other measures taken include speeding up direct payments to farmers and an increased advance in suckler cow and special beef premium payments from 60 per cent to 80 per cent. This will result in the release of an additional £45 million in November and December; more rapid payments of REPS where such payments are falling due; payment of outstanding BSE compensation top-ups of £6 million to certain beef producers in early October; arrangements for Teagasc to hold special free advisory clinics on fodder in the areas affected; promoting live exports and reopening trade with Libya; achieving a substantial increase in beef export refunds on 25 September — the increase is equivalent to 5p per pound of beef; and ensure appropriate transport facilities are available for live exports.
Therefore, I am satisfied that the additional funding will provide valuable assistance to farmers in the areas most affected by the weather conditions.
