Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 June 2013
501. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts he has made to draw down financial support from the EU crisis fund to alleviate the severe financial difficulties encountered by farmers here following the recent fodder shortage crisis. [30122/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Solidarity Fund is not available as a source of assistance to farmers to alleviate difficulties which have arisen from the fodder situation. The EU Solidarity Fund is primarily confined to major disasters which have lasting repercussions on economic stability, living conditions and the natural environment. The EU Solidarity Fund only intervenes for non-insurable public emergency operations, such as repair of damaged public infrastructure, costs of rescue services, clean up operations etc. Unfortunately, a fodder crisis does not fall within the field of application of the Fund as laid down. It has been further clarified that compensation for private damage, including to businesses and farmers, is not eligible for Solidarity Fund assistance.
