Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 12 Nov 1998

Vol. 496 No. 5

Written Answers. - Agricultural Schemes.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

32 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will review the fodder shortage crisis affecting many farmers; if he will give a commitment that a further financial allocation will be made before the end of 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23125/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The fodder scheme which I announced recently will provide financial assistance to help alleviate the losses incurred due to the fodder shortage. A sum of £10 million is available overall. Sheep farmers with mountain grazings and suckler cow producers and small dairy farmers — with milk quotas of less than 5,000 gallons — in the worst affected areas of counties Cavan, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo will receive assistance. The areas concerned have been identified as the worst affected in a Teagasc survey completed in September and payments under the scheme will commence as soon as the necessary clearance is received from the EU. The scheme will be firmly focused on these areas.

The payments will be made automatically by reference to the 1998 sheep headage and suckler cow application forms, or on specific application from dairy farmers. Up to £300 per farmer will be payable and this will provide immediate assistance to those most affected. The fodder scheme was only part of a series of measures I have announced recently to help alleviate difficulties being experienced by farmers.