Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am disappointed. I would have assumed that grass was feed for the coming months, particularly February and March, when there would be early grass. This is gone for many farmers. Some of those affected are the more marginal and less well-off people. It will cost a lot to plough, rotovate, re-seed and fertilise land and put it back in working use. Many of the people affected do not have adequate resources for it.

The Minister said 22 January will be the cut-off date for applications. Will he extend it? Many people are only coming to terms with the loss they have incurred and are trying to get it assessed, fill in the forms and send them in and get the local authorities to come and examine the damage. The Minister should consider extending the date for the people affected.

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