Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2010
954 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will support potato growers in County Donegal whose enterprises have been devastated by the Christmas 2009 weather crisis; if he will acknowledge that 75% of the potato crop has been ruined; his views that this amounts to a wipe-out of the potato industry in County Donegal; the nature of the supports he will provide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1170/10]
View answer956 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will consider the introduction of a compensation package for potato growers following the loss of potato crop during the recent period of exceptionally cold weather. [1206/10]
View answer969 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to introduce a compensation package to assist potato producers whose crop has been devastated by the recent bad weather and are in danger of losing up to 75% of their crop; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1553/10]
View answer983 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the serious losses suffered by potato farmers in County Donegal as a result of the very severe and ongoing adverse weather conditions; if he has any plans to initiate a compensation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2040/10]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 954, 956, 969 and 983 together.
I am aware that, due to very wet conditions in November 2009, that a very considerable acreage of potatoes remained unharvested at the end of the year. Since then, farmers have experienced very severe frost conditions which have resulted in significant losses to these crops. I met with potato grower representatives on Thursday 14 January who presented me with a submission which is currently being considered.
