John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I appreciate the opportunity to address the committee. As a Kerry Deputy, I am fully aware of the issues and I have in my parish and constituency many of those 400 farmers who are affected. The issue is very real for us in Kerry.

I apologise if the following has been said already. I remember during the very severe frost of a number of years ago, probably 2010 or 2011, that there was a complete wipeout of the crop of the vegetable growers in north Dublin and a fund was found for them, and deservedly so. They received an aid package that got them out of the turmoil they were in during that particular year. If it is good enough for Dublin, it is good enough for the west.

I ask that we convey to the Minister that there is cross-party support for this fund. It can be found. If it was given then, it could be applied pro ratain this case and we could get a very quick decision, which is what is needed. I fully support the delegation. There is always a fund and if it can be found for one, it should be found for all others. We should treat everyone equally and I would like to see that applied to the tillage and grain growers of the west.