Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, I will wind up. I also support the roll-out of the low-cost loan scheme as soon as possible.

I wish to clarify some of the underlying figures with the Minister. The Department's figures indicate that there were 6.3 million cattle in the country in 2014. There are now 7.4 million cattle and that is before all calves are counted in May. Clearly, we are talking about a massive increase in stock over a short period. At the very end of his presentation, the Minister mentioned that he would get Teagasc to examine the issue. In the context of sustainable farming, we must also look at variables, such as weather and climate change, that have been well teased out. Not all farmers are overstocking but some are and that is creating a problem.

In terms of Food Wise 2025, could the Minister elaborate on the country's ability to produce fodder and to feed animals. Has that been factored into the targets? The plan is already in place and it is clear that we are running into a problem regularly in terms of both feeding animals and inclement weather.