Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I will be adjusting it for new entrants next year, but this year I want to work to support farmers planning for next year. The cost of fertiliser is a particular challenge. One of the main reasons for introducing the scheme this year was to make sure that fodder-making would continue. It has left us in a good position going into this winter and spring. Stocks are strong. We want to make sure that we are planning even earlier for next year and that is why I am forward-loading next year's fodder scheme this autumn. I will again be encouraging farmers to plan ahead, look at their stocks of fertiliser and to buy ahead as well and make sure they have some in the yard. I am supporting that through an early payment of the fodder scheme. Administratively, it is too big a job to restart the entire scheme in a short period. I expect the vast majority of those who took part this year to participate next year.

We are forward paying all of those who took part this year and allowing people a very straightforward option in terms of applying for next year in advance of this year's payments going out. They will then get a significant part of next year's payment and this year's payment in one go. We will provide an additional opportunity for new entrants at the start of next year.