Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2013
834. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has explored the possibility of applying to the EU Solidarity Fund as a means of addressing the fodder crisis looming as a result of excessive rainfall in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57825/12]
View answerThe European Union Solidarity Fund is aimed primarily at providing funding to Member States in the event of a natural disaster.
I am very conscious of the significant problems and pressures that the very heavy rainfall last year has caused for farmers. I also fully appreciate the value and importance of the scheme payments to farmers and I remain committed to ensuring that the maximum numbers are paid at the earliest possible date, mindful, of course, of the over-riding necessity to ensure compliance with the governing EU requirements. In this regard, a total of €1,205million in Single Farm Payments was made by the end of 2012, the completion of a cycle of payments that commenced on 1st October with an advance payment agreed as a means of mitigating against the worst effects of the weather crisis. In addition, some €200million was discharged in DAS payments as well as €253 million for both REPS and AEOS by year end.
Teagasc and the Agriculture Consultants Association have been very active in providing advice and assistance for farmers affected by the bad weather. A series of public meetings were held across the country to address fodder / financial and social aspects of the weather crisis.
