Departmental Policies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023

Tuesday, 7 November 2023

Ceisteanna (920)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

920. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has considered the introduction of crop insurance, given the experience the tillage sector has had with regard to weather conditions and crop loss this year; if he is aware of or has engaged with insurance companies which may be interested in providing such insurance; if he has engaged with the Minister for Finance on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47970/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am acutely aware and fully appreciate the many challenges that tillage growers have experienced in 2023 as a result of unfavourable weather conditions throughout the crop growing season, and I am aware of some unharvested crops in a number of areas.

The case for additional risk management tools such as voluntary insurance schemes were examined in the preparation of Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027. There was the option to allocate some funding towards mutual insurance type schemes to provide cover for the loss of crops due to adverse weather. However, there was little support for this proposal from stakeholders and it was not included in the agreed CAP Strategic Plan.

In relation to the introduction of crop insurance, this is primarily a matter for the tillage sector. I would strongly encourage engagement by the sector with insurance companies to see if commercial crop insurance can be provided so that the sector can be protected from potential losses in the future due to adverse weather.