Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I responded to Deputy Cahill on this issue. My net message is that it is a matter for individual farmers to ensure they have an adequate supply of fodder. There are two ways of interpreting the data in respect of the initiative the Department introduced. However, it is too early to draw conclusions. It may be the case that further applications will be submitted by farmers who are getting on with the business associated with spring time on their holdings. It is also possible that the number of applications will not increase. I acknowledge that this is an exceptionally difficult spring on holdings. The difficulties are not geographically confined to the north west and are now an issue on the entire island. We are monitoring the issue daily in terms of grass growth predictions, weather forecasts, etc., and we will take into account the advice from State agencies, including Teagasc, on what steps it may be appropriate to take. At this stage, we do not plan any initiatives of the type suggested by the Deputy in the context of the difficult weather we are experiencing.