I propose to take Questions Nos. 625 and 628 together.
I am aware of the difficulties experienced by farmers and others as a result of the recent inclement weather conditions.
In that regard I have received representations on behalf of growers in relation to losses to potatoes and vegetable crops arising from the severe frost conditions since Christmas and the matter is currently being considered by my Department.
Under the Agreement between my Department and the Pigmeat industry, a financial facility of up to €180m was made available to deal with the consequences of the pigmeat recall, following the dioxin incident of December 2008. To date my Department has processed and paid approximately €85 million in respect of applications for compensation in relation to pigmeat products withdrawn from the market. Payment applications are still being processed under the Scheme and it is not possible at this stage to say whether there will be any savings in the 2010 estimates provision.