asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that constant flooding is taking place in the Dunmore area, County Kilkenny, and of the difficulties and losses which farmers are experiencing in raising crops on flooded land there; and if, in view of these difficulties and losses, he will consider exempting these farmers from full compliance with the compulsory tillage Order.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flooding of Lands in Kilkenny.
I am aware that, in recent months, flooding took place in the Dunmore area. My information, however, is that in only one case was there serious loss of tillage crops. The question of generally excepting the farmers in this area from full compliance with the tillage Order cannot, of course, be entertained, but the individual case in which actual loss of tillage crops occurred will be further considered with a view to determining whether the present tillage quota can reasonably be complied with.
Is the Minister not aware that other farmers in this area suffered serious loss of hay, oats and wheat crops, and that, while there is one outstanding case, there are several cases of hardship in that area? In view of these cases of hardship, will the Minister not consider giving some relief by way of reduction in tillage this coming year?
I should like to mention that, apart from the case which the Deputy probably has in mind and which I have in mind, a number of farmers were somewhat affected. In all these cases they had tilled well above their quota and it was thought that all they would probably require would be to come down to their quota.
Will the Minister make arrangements for a special inspection in the area before next spring to examine the conditions?
Yes, we are getting tillage inspectors to visit these cases.
I could give particulars of very serious losses in the area.