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

I am shocked by the reply. With due respect, the farmers who are in trouble have the best track records in animal husbandry. Check their records. Since the deluges started in June or July, they have followed through on the advice given to them. They have attended Teagasc offices. To be fair to the officials there and to the agricultural advisers across the country, they have integrated, but it was well past the time for advice three weeks ago. The weather will present further difficulties next weekend.

Perhaps I live in the part of the country that is the worst affected, but I am inundated with people discussing this matter. I have tried to assist them in every way. An urgent response is necessary, but there was no sense in the Minister of State's reply that the Government is serious. There must be a response today, not tomorrow.

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