Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I recognise the Deputy's representations on behalf of the tillage sector. Wexford has probably been more adversely impacted than any other county during what was all-round a very difficult year. I responded with three separate packages to support the sector. I mentioned earlier that an extra €6.5 million was put into the straw incorporation measure, SIM, which quickly put money directly into the sector at a time when it was under pressure. I secured more than €7 million from the European Union to go towards the sector too. In the recent budget, I secured another €7 million, which I am targeting at those who had unharvested crops, as well as topping up the funding from the European Union.

We are looking at getting the funding out and opening up the applications early next year. We are aiming for late January, if we can do that. We will try to work towards that target in terms of getting the funding. The fact that we have given clear commitments will hopefully give that certainty to farmers about what they can expect. I refer in particular to those who have not been able to get crops.