Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the extremely difficult time that many farmers have been experiencing due to the ongoing bad weather over the past 18 months. As a Deputy for Cavan-Monaghan, where farming plays a crucial role in the local economy, I have seen at first hand the impact of the current fodder shortage. I have met many farmers in regard to the matter. This has been a very stressful time for them and their families. The establishment of the transport subsidy scheme has greatly reduced the cost of imported fodder for farmers. The scheme has made a real difference to many farmers and has been most welcome.

The fodder crisis has required a co-ordinated approach. The one point that stood out is how everybody came together. I include the Minister, his Department, millers, merchants, co-operatives and farming organisations. I commend them but must also afford a special mention to all the farmers who supported each other by giving spare fodder to those who needed it. It is this great community spirit that gets us through difficult times such as these.

I compliment the Minister and his Department on all their efforts to date. While the current problem is being dealt with in a very practical way, a long-term strategy is needed. I should be grateful if the Minister would take the issues I raise into consideration. There has been overstocking on farms for some time. Commentators in the media and Teagasc have been advising farmers to increase their numbers of stock.

However, with increased stock numbers comes the need for an overall plan to ensure sustainability and profitability. Teagasc needs to look at preparing realistic and deliverable plans for farmers on an individual basis to allow them to develop and increase their outputs on a sustainable footing. It is welcome that our live export trade has been reopened. I ask that every effort be made and support be given to aggressively build on this market opportunity to export our cattle. This is an important outlet to reduce surplus cattle numbers.

Under the EU water directives, there are restrictions on the amount of phosphate that can be used in soil, which means our soil fertility has been reduced considerably. We are not getting the benefit of nitrogen if phosphate levels are not at optimum level for growth in Irish conditions. Is the Minister satisfied that current regulations take account of Irish soil types and climatic conditions and will he consider asking Teagasc to carry out a full review of the relevant data and making a case to the European Union that this directive be reviewed to take account of the Irish situation? We also need to address the issue of calendar farming enforced under the nitrates directive and seek to have changes made to reflect the changing pattern of Irish weather conditions.

I commend the Minister for his, as always, prompt action when a crisis presents.

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