Vol. 497 No. 2
174 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will replace the current fodder scheme which is very limited in its application with a general top-up in headage payments in order that farmers outside the areas included in the fodder scheme but with fodder shortage can benefit through this system. [24705/98]
Funding under the fodder scheme is being targeted at the worst affected areas identified by Teagasc in its September survey. While some farmers in other areas were also affected by the fodder crisis, the aim of the present scheme is to provide assistance to those who suffered the most hardship. There are no plans to replace the proposed scheme which will cost £10 million overall and which I expect will be approved by the EU Commission shortly.
