Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The issue I raise is extremely important, especially in the Duhallow area of north Cork. I need not inform anyone about the horrendous weather conditions we experienced over the summer months and the difficulties they created for the farming community. These difficulties persist as farmers seek to provide fodder for cattle over the winter.

On 12 July during Leaders' Questions I asked that the Government examine the ground inspections process carried out by the Department and suggested it take a commonsense approach to the inspections that are carried out in the normal course of events for cross-compliance and other reasons. I am disappointed a Minister from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is not present to take the question, but I hope the Minister of State, Deputy Hayes, will convey my serious concern about this matter to the Minister. I have grave concern not alone for the financial and physical well-being of the farming community, especially in my area, but also for their mental well-being because they are under great pressure.

Last weekend and the weekend before that a number of people came to me about satellite inspections that took place on the ground that they would have submitted as part of their single farm payment application. As the satellite identified a rush cover on the land, the Department sent out inspectors who found rushes on the land and subsequently fined farmers 20%, 30% or 50% depending on the payment they receive. One farmer, who has rheumatoid arthritis and has been in hospital almost at death's door, was told of a fine last Friday.

As I stated on 12 July, this land cannot be travelled over other than by helicopter or other aircraft because it is saturated with water. For the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to inspect the ground and fine farmers on single farm payment or disadvantaged areas payment because the rush cover is not cut off is beyond ridiculous. I had discussions on this matter with Department officials in the past two weeks and I am frustrated by the situation. The farmers affected by this issue are genuine. In negotiations sometimes there are cowboy farmers but 99.9% of farmers are genuine operators. It beggars belief that the Department would send out inspectors to check if there is rush cover on this land. The weather broke on 7 April and not since the middle of May was this land fit for travelling on. As anyone dealing with a farming community would know, it is during the summer months that this land would be cut.

I have serious cases on my books regarding this matter. I do not bring it to the House lightly but I am appalled by what is going on. I appeal to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and his officials to re-examine this matter and take a commonsensical approach because the evidence I saw in terms of inspections and penalising farmers, especially in the past two weeks, is nothing short of draconian.

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