Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Coming from a rural background and representing a rural community I am in consultation with farmers and I understand and empathise with the points made eloquently by Deputy O'Donovan.

The farm assist remains a flexible payment for any farmer experiencing a lower level of income or cash flow issues due to bad weather. It has been horrific these past couple of weeks and driving from our constituencies to the capital we wonder whether the spring will come at all. Thankfully, the first visible signs of spring are here today. Hopefully, this issue will be addressed by the improvement in the weather. Farmers who find themselves in this situation can approach their local welfare officers to see whether any further assistance can be given. That said, I will convey the points made by the Deputy to the Minister.

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