Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 May 2022
275. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the proposed silage scheme will be made payable per hectare or per livestock unit; if consideration has been given to each method; when applications for the scheme will open; when it is expected that payment will made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23651/22]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that on 3 May 2022, I brought a Memorandum for Information to Government on a proposed Fodder Support Scheme, in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 and the significant impact this has had on the cost of agricultural inputs required to conserve grass for silage and/or hay.
The scheme will require approval from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department is continuing to engage with that Department on the funding aspects of the scheme.
I will announce further details on the proposed scheme shortly.
The proposed Fodder Support scheme is in addition to the €12.2 million Targeted Intervention Package I announced on 22 March 2022. That financial support and those currently under discussion will assist farmers in providing sufficient fodder for winter 2022. I remain committed to standing by our farm families during this time of crisis.
