Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Deputy to reflect on the following point. It is difficult, and that which can be salvaged at this stage may be a small fraction. However, if I were to introduce a fund, every endeavour to salvage whatever is salvageable would cease. I want to ensure the endeavour continues. This point was made at the forum today and was reflected in contributions from all sides. Until we have a full picture, I will not jump into making any hasty announcements regarding the measures we might consider appropriate.

I have been on the ground and in the Deputy's county. I have met farm organisations, both national and local. We are anxious to get a full and accurate picture in respect of the endeavour and where a line can be drawn under it to say beyond this point no further harvest can be salvaged. We are far from that stage. Only a full picture can inform us on the appropriate policy instruments that are being considered.

The Deputy raised the EU agenda. When 27 or 28 member states jump up and down in unison about the dairy industry, the Commission responds. Unfortunately, member states are not jumping up and down about the grain industry. Until there is a clamour for a response at a political level in the Commission that is led by the main grain growing countries, there will be no prospect of a bailout package for the grain industry. This is why we are availing of the opportunity under the scope given to us under the de minimisrules, as in State aid. Neither the French, Poles, Hungarians, Romanians nor any of them are jumping up and down and saying there is a crisis in their grain industries.

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