Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2017
475. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take to ensure that the flood relief scheme for farmers in County Donegal, administered by his Department, compensates persons (details supplied) whose losses are financially devastating and have been assessed by Teagasc. [42924/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware I visited the Inishowen Peninsula with my Government colleague, Minster of State, Deputy Joe McHugh, following the exceptional rainfall of 22 August last to see at first-hand some of the very significant problems that a number of farmers faced as a result. I committed during my visit to supporting these farmers.
In the immediate aftermath of the flood, I prioritised the availability of support by means of the Animal Welfare Helpline, which includes responding to urgent requirements for emergency feed provision. In addition, advice was provided to affected farmers in dealing with the immediate challenges that arose.
The principal and most widespread impacts of the floods on farms in the Inishowen Peninsula centred on damage to land, fencing, fodder and livestock. To address these pressing issues in the most effective manner, I introduced a targeted measure of assistance. Support under this measure applies to losses of livestock, conserved fodder (hay or silage) and as a contribution toward the clean-up cost of agricultural lands, including repair to fences, damaged by debris washed up by the floods. The measure is subject to the provisions of EU de minimis State aid rules in the agriculture sector and only losses not covered by insurance are eligible for consideration.
While it is not possible to address all of the problems the unprecedented rainfall caused on farms in Inishowen this measure is, in my view, a most comprehensive, timely and appropriate response to the main difficulties farmers there had to deal with. The measure closed for applications on Friday, 29 September, and these will now be processed as quickly as possible.
