Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 5

Written Answers. - Poor Weather Support Schemes.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

24 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measures his Department put in place in recent months to support farmers affected by poor weather conditions over the summer; the uptake of these initiatives and schemes; the costs incurred by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20818/02]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I have taken a series of weather related initiatives to support farmers. I obtained a derogation from the EU Commission to allow set-aside land to be used for animal feed purposes on farms where 33% or more of the land has been flooded. I arranged for Teagasc to provide an intensive advisory service, both in general and on a one to one basis. In co-operation with the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Coughlan, I arranged that the farm assist scheme take account of the situation faced by farmers. I obtained Commission approval to bring forward the payment of 50% of arable aid due to cereal farmers to 16 October. I obtained an increase in the rate of advance payments made on cattle premia from 60% to 80%, with effect from 16 October.

I have placed great emphasis on improving market supports. During the summer, I succeeded in strengthening the milk sector market supports system aimed at addressing market weaknesses which prevailed at the time. Further more, I more recently secured a substantial improvement in the beef export refund rate for Egypt, aimed at the specific requirements for that market. The advance payments to which I have referred were automatically paid to all arable and livestock farmers who were eligible to receive them. Since these payments are fully funded by the EU, they did not involve any cost to my Department other than normal administration costs.

The farm assist scheme is the responsibility of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs. Weather conditions improved considerably during the late summer and early autumn period.