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

As I stated, the Department continues to monitor the position and we do not have any initiative planned, either on transport or any other form of fodder delivery to farmers. I return to my original point that this is, in the first instance, a matter for farmers to resolve. We have introduced a transport subsidy which is available in certain circumstances. That was the appropriate response at the time and we continue to monitor the position closely. The shortage of fodder is much more acute across the country now than it was when this issue arose. However, as we head into the late spring, growth rates should, in the normal course of events, deliver the solution that is required. We continue to monitor the position. While we have not identified any funding in the 2018 Estimate to fund an initiative, if circumstances require them, resources will not be an issue.