Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister, the Minister of State and their officials for being here. On behalf of County Kerry farmers, I thank the Minister for the extension of the slurry spreading period but it is not adequate. People on marginal ground, not just in Kerry but throughout the country, will need until 1 November. A bit of fine weather is coming but the type of ground we are representing needs to dry out. The extension is fine for people with good land but those on marginal ground need more time. I respectfully ask the Minister for that. I thank him for what he has done, but I ask him to do more.

My questions for the Minister of State will be very quick. Short answers will suffice so that I can get through the questions. Can she guarantee that every owner with diseased ash will have the option of choosing a more commercial conifer crop as a replacement under the new scheme?