Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Dec 1998

Vol. 497 No. 5

Written Answers - Agricultural Schemes.

Denis Naughten

Question:

121 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will be considered for support under the fodder crisis scheme in view of the fact he is outside the specific district electoral division and has a severe fodder crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25411/98]

Denis Naughten

Question:

122 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will reconsider the decision not to include the district electoral division of Aughrim East in County Roscommon for inclusion in the fodder crisis scheme in view of the fact that many farmers in this district electoral division have a severe fodder shortage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25412/98]

Denis Naughten

Question:

123 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will reconsider the decision not to include the district electoral division of Dysart in County Roscommon for inclusion in the fodder crisis scheme in view of the fact that many farmers in this district electoral division have a severe fodder shortage. [25413/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 121, 122 and 123 together.

Funding under the fodder scheme is being targeted at the worst affected areas identified by Teagasc in its September survey. The DED of Dysart, County Roscommon is one of those and is included in the scheme. 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. I expect that the details of the scheme will be approved by the EU Commission shortly.