Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, is present for this debate. I compliment him on intervening in the fodder crisis, which has reached extremely serious proportions. According to one school of thought, the crisis would have been avoided if we had experienced more sunshine earlier in the year. Grass growth is approximately six months behind in practically every area of the country owing to climactic conditions dating back 12 months or more. For example, 2011 was not a productive year for grass growth. While the recent weather may be due to global warming, conditions in the south west have created a catastrophe.

Last November, when County Kerry was experiencing extremely high levels of rainfall in comparison to the east, I pointed out to the Minister that tonnes of hay were being brought into the county. I understand a dealer or merchant from County Wicklow was collecting hay, probably in counties Carlow, Wexford and Waterford, and making daily deliveries to County Kerry.

The dealer's lorry seemed to be operating around the clock, with two drivers on hand at all times. This illustrates the serious and extreme difficulties that people were then experiencing. At that time, I inquired of the Minister as to how matters were likely to be in January. It is now May and the Minister's intervention has helped to ease the situation. However, there is still great concern in many remote areas where the co-operative movement may not be as strong as elsewhere and where distribution is not as straightforward. Farmers in such areas are faced with a terrible dilemma.

I compliment the IFA on the efforts it is making and on the amount of money it is expending. I welcome the co-operative system that has been introduced in recent days. This is a great initiative. I compliment those farmers who were fortunate to have surplus fodder and who co-operated with their neighbours and with farmers in other parishes. What has happened recently shows that the co-operative spirit is still present in this country. The co-operative movement was initiated by Horace Plunkett in the 19th century and the spirit behind it remains among the people, which is good.

Tomorrow is supposed to be the final closing date for the transport scheme. I ask the Minister to extend the distribution system to the marts and private merchants in order that €1 million allocated might be fully utilised. If there is a need to extend it by a further couple of weeks, then this should be done. Serious consideration should be given to a further extension because many people remain in dire straits.

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