Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It would be reasonable to ask them to indicate to the Minister by the weekend the maximum amount of fodder needed. In the area where I live they know the maximum amount they will need. As it is being bought load by load on the basis of need, it is very hard to estimate how much is needed. They will not know this until they see what happens next week. People living in small rural areas do not have the financial resources to buy fodder and stock it. I am, therefore, asking the Minister to allow the buying to be done next week, even if the co-ops are required to indicate by the end of the week the maximum amount of fodder they will bring in in the next two weeks. I would like him to give me an undertaking that he will consider this suggestion in a flexible way and work in a reasonable way on it. I ask him to make such a commitment tonight. The operations involved are not huge, with broad resources.

I would also like to ask the Minister to look to the future. A problem is looming because the late arrival of spring meant land could not be closed for the preservation of grass to ensure there would be adequate amounts of silage and hay, etc. I ask the Minister to consider arranging with Teagasc for free advice to be given on how to maximise fodder production. I think Deputies on all sides of the House agree that the suggestions made by Deputy Billy Kelleher with regard to nitrates and phosphorous, etc., were particularly useful. I suggest they be considered positively and taken on board.

I have asked the Minister to examine the possibility of relaxing the seven month rule that applies under the disadvantaged areas scheme. Some farmers who traditionally buy cattle for a certain period of the year were required last year to keep them for six months, but that period has been increased to seven months this year. On the basis that one month has been lost owing to the unavailability of grass, I ask the Minister to revert to the six month rule under the disadvantaged areas scheme this year.

I am very concerned about the need to ensure there are adequate markets for store cattle and light sheep. I would not bank on too many farmers buying light lambs in the west - from Donegal to Kerry - this year.

There is a lot we could do. In a spirit of co-operation, I will agree not to call a vote tonight if the Minister gives me an undertaking that he will look positively on the proposal to extend the scheme for one week. We need to show the same solidarity to farmers that everybody involved in the agriculture business, particularly those in farming communities, has been showing in the past few weeks.

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