Vol. 498 No. 4
250 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will extend the fodder scheme to other wet land areas of the country not already covered by the scheme; if he will increase the £300 limit per farm; and when payments will be made to farmers. [27885/98]
The fodder scheme is targeted at the worst affected district electoral divisions and, while some farmers in other areas were also affected by fodder difficulties, the aim of the present scheme is to provide assistance to those who suffered the most hardship. In addition it should be noted that all sheep farmers with mountain grazings as per the sheep headage scheme will benefit under the scheme. A sum of £10 million is being provided for this purpose with a ceiling of £300 per farmer. All farmers entitled to assistance under the appropriate categories will be paid as quickly as possible.
