Ash Dieback Threat

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2014

Tuesday, 8 July 2014

Questions (603)

Gerry Adams

Question:

603. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that have been taken to help nurseries that have been affected by ash dieback; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many of these nurseries find themselves in huge financial difficulty and in some instances jobs have been lost as a result of ash die back; his plans to provide any compensation to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29794/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am aware that the measures taken to control the spread of ash dieback (Chalara fraxinea) and the collapse in demand for ash plants, have both created difficulties for a number of nurseries.

However, due to the current economic difficulties, I regret to inform you that it is not possible for my Department to introduce a compensation scheme for nursery stock producers arising from the measures taken to control ash dieback.