Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2018
325. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if additional resources have been provided to assist farmers whose herds are restricted and suffering from the fodder crisis. [18613/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates a Hardship Grant scheme as part of the TB Eradication Programme. The scheme operates from 1 November to 30 April 2018 and is aimed at assisting eligible herdowners who retain and feed animals during prolonged periods of restriction as a result of a TB breakdown. Herdowners meeting the eligibility criteria can apply through their local RVO.
Separately, the Department operates an Early Warning/Intervention System (EWS). Under the EWS arrangements, Department officials are in a position to assist farmers who are seeking the provision/purchase of emergency feed supplies and these requests have been dealt with appropriately. Sufficient resources are available to facilitate the EWS arrangements. The dedicated e-mail address animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie and help-line Call Save: 0761 064408 are available to provide assistance and support
