Vol. 499 No. 2
77 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will extend the fodder scheme announced in Autumn 1998 in view of the ongoing fodder crisis and having regard to a Teagasc submission to his Department with particular reference to the Shannon Callows area, County Offaly. [2283/99]
78 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will extend the fodder scheme announced in Autumn 1998 in view of the ongoing fodder crisis and having regard to a Teagasc submission to this Department with particular reference to the Slieve Margy and Luggacurran areas of County Laois. [2284/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 78 together.
The funds available for the 1998 fodder scheme have been committed. However, arising from discussions at the Government meeting earlier this week my Department and the Department of Finance have already entered into discussions to devise a suitably targeted scheme to assist farmers who are experiencing severe difficulty due to scarcity of fodder. The matter is being pursued with urgency.
