Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this evening's debate. It is important to note that a great deal of fodder is coming into the country at present. The problems in some parts of the country are starting to ease as growth seems to be happening and grass appears to be growing. Growth has not yet started in all parts of the country. Things have not picked up in County Donegal as they have elsewhere. That needs to be considered when decisions are being made on where to send the fodder that is coming in so that farmers can avail of it. I appreciate that many farmers have acted generously by sharing fodder with their neighbours to ensure they can continue to feed their animals. Equally, we have all heard stories of farmers capitalising on the fact that the price of fodder has gone through the roof in some parts of the country. Such behaviour should be condemned. I do not think anybody should be profiting from the woes of certain farmers.

As the problem eases in the coming weeks - I hope the weather improves, we get some warmth and growth recovers across the country - it is vitally important for the Department to review what has happened in recent weeks. In particular, there should be an examination of whether the banks have been providing credit to farmers. The Minister confirmed at a committee meeting approximately ten days ago that the Department would ensure feed was supplied for the animals of farmers who did not have fodder and were unable to access credit. I would like the operation of that system to be reviewed over the next few months. I would like to hear from farmers and from the Department about whether support was made available and what farmers had to do to receive it. That will be very important.

As other Deputies have said, this crisis will probably recur next year because the growing season has started so late this year. Many farmers have lost a cut of silage. There will probably be another fodder crisis in the spring of next year. The provision of aid towards the purchase of fodder has to continue in the Department. I know the Minister has said he will continue to support that. The Department has to continue to support the purchase of fodder to ensure there are stocks for next winter and the early spring of next year. I would like the Minister to make sure that is continued.

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