Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful for the opportunity to speak on this motion. The crisis that hit our agricultural sector was extremely difficult for many farmers. It was clear that certain areas were particularly badly hit including parts of west Cork, north Cork, west Limerick, north Kerry and other counties. Equally, other areas were better insulated and did not feel the effects of the shortage until later on in the crisis. It is also evident some farmers were more vulnerable than others, whether it was because they were overstocked or would always have had tight fodder supply and simply could not weather this storm. This has led to some farmers experiencing some great distress and anxiety. I can think of nothing more depressing for a genuine farmer than watching helplessly as his animals suffer.

Understanding and communicating effectively is still a significant element of the Government’s response. Farmers who need help will continue to receive assistance. The Department will continue its early warning system where emergency assistance is provided to farmers whose animals are experiencing serious welfare issues and where the farmer is unable to cope. Those that need it most will be helped. I encourage these farmers to contact the helpline at 1850-211990.

The Minister, Deputy Coveney, has been involved in trying to manage a very difficult situation for many months. This situation did not just arise in the past several weeks. Last year's poor summer with high levels of rainfall and a lack of sunshine resulted in poor and smaller quantities of silage. The onset of winter came early, which meant that grass growth ceased earlier than normal. In addition, it was extremely wet and farmers were obliged to bring their animals indoors. Some had to keep their animals indoors during the summer and the autumn. The Minister engaged with farmers, in conjunction with Teagasc, through the winter months to extend and maximise the potential of their fodder. Regrettably, the winter lasted six weeks longer than normal. As a result, grass growth is five weeks behind the level at which it should be at this time of year. This has resulted in a real and measurable fodder shortage with which the Minister is dealing.

We have seen fodder arrive from France and the UK in the affected areas of the south and the west over the past few weeks in a targeted response with the cost of the transport covered by the emergency reserve fund. I welcome the collective response by all those people and organisations involved in the agricultural sector such as the Irish Farmers Association, IFA, the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association, ICSA, as well as the co-ops, including Drinagh Co-operative, and food companies such as Glanbia and Dairygold, all co-ordinated by the Minister.

The Minister has led from the front all the way through this crisis like he has done with the other issues that he has had to deal with since taking office just over two years ago such as the horsemeat crisis, reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and the Common Fisheries Policy and the European Presidency to mention a few.

Recent warmer weather has alleviated the difficulties a little for now but the Minister and his Department are now focusing on the longer term effects of the prolonged inclement weather. I would call for greater flexibility in the rules to allow increased and appropriate uses of fertiliser to, for example, reverse the decline in the phosphates level in the soil, incentivising or encouraging greater cultivation of fodder crops and continuing engagement with the co-ops and financial institutions to deal with the inevitable cash flow difficulties that will surface later this year.

I congratulate the Minister, Deputy Coveney, on his response to this issue.

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