Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
490. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider the provision of meal vouchers in light of the impact of the inordinate weather on the farming community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17750/24]
View answerI am acutely aware of the current pressures being experienced by farmers because of the recent exceptional and prolonged wet weather. In responding to these concerns, I have taken several steps to try and minimise the effects of the current pressures facing the farming community.
I requested that the National Fodder and Feed Security Committee be re-convened to establish the most up to date facts regarding the fodder and feed situation on farms and to provide advice to assist farmers. The Committee, at its meetings on the 29th March and 9th April, concluded that, while there are some farmers experiencing difficulties, there are sufficient fodder stocks either on farm or available to purchase.
I asked Teagasc to establish a system for co-ordinating advisory supports to help farmers maximise existing fodder stocks and provide a basis for those with surpluses to engage with those who need fodder. In response Teagasc set up a Fodder Register which is helping connect farmers who have fodder available to those that need it. Teagasc also set up dedicated helplines to provide advice to farmers on how to manage their farms through this difficult weather.
I recently announced the introduction of a Fodder Transport Measure to provide additional assistance to livestock farmers most severely affected by the prolonged adverse weather conditions. This measure provides a financial contribution to the cost of transporting fodder between those areas where fodder is plentiful and those where it is scarce.
Thankfully, the weather has improved which is alleviating many of the difficulties that farmers have been contending with. My Department has no plans for the provision of meal vouchers at this time. However, I will continue to monitor the situation closely.
