Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The move to arrange the briefing mentioned by the Minister was a positive one, particularly given the circumstances that have arisen recently. Many farmers are feeling the strain and stress of listening to their animals bellowing with hunger but having neither the fodder nor the money to tackle the situation. This is wreaking havoc on the financial and mental well-being of farmers. It is important for the Government to take all measures open to it to alleviate the suffering of farmers. It needs to co-ordinate with the marts, the co-ops and, in particular, the financial institutions to ensure farmers have access to fodder and credit. We need to ensure they do not suffer in the long term as a result of the fodder crisis.

It is important for the Minister to make allowances in this year's stocking rates for farmers. It is clear that land used for agriculture is not yet able to handle heavy stocking levels this year. The Minister must be aware that farmers may not be able to reach the minimum stocking density that is required for receiving payments under schemes such as the agri-environment options scheme. If the Minister does not significantly reduce the minimum stocking density and the retention period, the land will not have time to recover for next year. In such circumstances, it is inevitable that farmers and their animals will face the same crisis in 2014 that they face at present.

Apart from the humanitarian aspect of this issue, it is ultimately important to remember the essential role agriculture plays in the Irish economy. The agri-food sector contributes a valuable €24 billion to the national economy, generates 6.3% of gross value added, accounts for almost 10% of Ireland's exports and provides 7.7% of national employment. Irish agriculture plays an invaluable role in food security, not just domestically but across the EU and further afield. This industry must be protected. The Government has to take action to ensure the fodder crisis does not have a knock-on effect on the Irish economy this year or next year. The industry is simply too valuable to be allowed to fail.

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