Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

I propose to share time with Deputies Luke 'Ming' Flanagan, Mattie McGrath, and Healy-Rae. I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Private Members' motion on the farming and fodder crisis of the past 12 months. There is no doubt the farming community has been going through a difficult time, particularly smaller and medium-sized farmers, who have been under particular pressure due to the weather and the lack of fodder. The transport subsidies and emergency aid provided by the Department and the Minister are welcome but the scheme should be extended. It is supposed to finish at the end of the week but it needs to be extended into next week and beyond. I ask the Minister to fast-track various farm payments due, such as the single farm payments, disadvantaged area payments, the agri-environmental options scheme payments and REPS payments. I ask the Minister to bring forward payments and fast-track them to ensure farmers, particularly the smaller medium-sized farmers under particular financial pressure, can be helped.

I draw the attention of the Minister to the difficulty we have had for the past 12 months. The fact that it has run into May means the fodder situation could be compromised for the rest of this year and the spring of next year. I support the call for the Government to establish a special unit in the Department to oversee and co-ordinate efforts on this, particularly in respect of the future situation, which will be compromised by a lack of fodder and a reduction in silage making and haymaking as a result of the weather.

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