Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2013
530. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason some of the hay coming into Ireland and being distributed through the marts is not being subsidized (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22530/13]
View answerThe objective of the measure is to provide support to farmers in addressing a significant forage shortage on farms. This is being achieved by assisting in transport costs associated with importation of forage from UK (excluding NI) and other EU Member States. For the purposes of this Scheme, eligible forage is defined as Hay, Silage or Haylage, but excludes Straw.
While I initially set a deadline of 3 May and a budget of €1 million for the Scheme, following consultation with Met Eireann, Co Ops, the farming organisations, Teagasc and the advice of officials working on the ground, I decided to extend the Scheme to 24 May and double the funding available. Fodder, eligible under the Scheme and delivered into the country in the next two weeks will be covered up to 24 May.
While initially the Scheme was operated through the Dairy Co-operatives, I have now expanded the list of approved participants to include Livestock marts, Co-operatives and other outlets. My Department is continuing to monitor the situation on a day by day basis. I understand that this remains a very challenging situation for farmers and this extension will allow both farmers and Co Ops to have some certainly around supply of fodder over the coming weeks.
The Animal Welfare Hotline remains open, including weekends, for those with emergency situations or who need information about where to source fodder: Low-call 1850 21 19 90.
