Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach, the Minister and his officials. I have two or three very short questions. First, I very much welcome the investment in Rosslare Europort. I was there for the sod turning with the Minister of State, Deputy Patrick O'Donovan. As a result of Brexit we have seen dramatic changes in Rosslare Europort and a huge amount of Government investment has gone into customs and the facilities there. It was unfortunate that it took Brexit for it to happen, but it is welcome all the same.

I have spoken to the Minister about the tillage sector. I thank him and his Department for responding to the needs of many Wexford farmers and those in other parts of the country, following the weather, which resulted in a huge amount of unharvested crops. The Minister had the agriculture reserve fund and an additional funding of €7.14 million for unharvested crops. That was announced in the last week or so. What is the process to get applications in, etc.? How does the Minister envisage this will work? Will it be a long, drawn-out scheme? If at all possible, I would appreciate if this issue receives the attention of the Minister's officials so that money can get into farmers' pockets as soon as possible. There is a huge number of farmers of my part of the country in Wexford who have a huge amount of unharvested crops.