Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2018
682. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the compensation that will be made available to farmers who have been impacted as a result of the adverse weather conditions, particularly farmers who experienced problems with the collection of milk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11755/18]
View answerThroughout the period of adverse weather conditions caused by recent adverse weather conditions, my Department was directly involved in a co-ordinated response as a member of the National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG), convened by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, the lead Government Department on Severe Weather Incidents.
While the South and East of the country bore the brunt of the storm and its after effects, many other areas experienced disruptions to daily life and the business of farming to a greater or lesser degree. Because the storm occurred at this time of year it proved particularly disruptive as farmers coped with challenging weather conditions alongside the normal busy workload of Spring: calving and lambing and winter feeding. The key on-farm challenges revolved around preventing the freezing up of water supplies at a critical time for lactating animals, the provision of fodder and shelter to stock against the worst of the snowfall and dangerous conditions for farmyards and environs. Delayed turn-out of some stock is increasing the demand for fodder and accommodation. In this regard it should be noted that the targeted, localised scheme to provide a subsidy for long distance transport of fodder is open and available to farmers affected by fodder shortages in the West and North West of the country.
Throughout this period and immediately afterwards Department staff together with Teagasc worked at local level to ensure that the farming community had access to the best advice on how to cope with the numerous issues thrown up by the storm. To support those in more immediate difficulties the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine emergency phone line for animal welfare issues remained open and attended at all times. All requests for support were responded to.
I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the significant assistance the farming community provided within the wider local community at this busy time as they looked in on neighbours, cleared roads and helped to restore access to more remote rural areas.
At dairy sector level my Department worked closely with all stakeholders and with industry to minimise disruption to critical activities including milk collection services. I am happy to be able to report that all major issues were resolved in the shortest possible time thanks to the coordinated efforts of farmers, industry and my own Department staff.
