Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The problem began last year with terrible weather in the summer which has impacted on the quantity of silage that could be cut and on the fodder capacity to deal with an extended winter. Cows would normally have been out on the grass for a long time by now but they are indoors. I met the chairman of the farmers' committee of IRD Duhallow yesterday who told me that by his estimate 90% of farmers in the Duhallow area are without feed. I saw on television the Dairygold Co-operative purchasing fodder for its suppliers across that region at exorbitant prices.

The transport costs incurred by co-operatives helping their suppliers to source fodder have serious implications. Credit facilities and lines are breaking down. There is no fodder left in the country which is very serious. The farming community is concerned that this point has not got across to people at national level, in government or in the Oireachtas. The human toll is beginning to mount. Some farmers have been hospitalised and mental health problems are growing. People do not know where to turn.

Does the Taoiseach accept that the fodder situation is a national crisis? Will he establish a national co-ordinating group or task force involving all stakeholders immediately with a view to addressing the issue in the short term and coming up with solutions and coming to the assistance of farmers? Will he establish a fodder aid scheme to assist farmers who are in deep trouble and see no end in sight?

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