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

I concur with the Deputy that the last thing any of us wants to see is any welfare issue arising on Irish farms, and we will take all steps necessary to avoid it. That has always been the position of the Department, and remains so. We have a dedicated animal welfare line in respect of farmers who may be facing individual problems. Individual holdings may have a problem and I appreciate the weather has been difficult. Ground conditions are not what we would like them to be at this time of the year. That gives rise to a whole range of issues, not least in terms of those who are trying to cut second-cut silage. However, we are in the first week of October and it is premature at this stage to speak of a fodder crisis. My Department continues to remain vigilant on the matter. Avenues are available to individual farmers and the Department will help where there are fodder and animal welfare issues combining to give rise to specific circumstances requiring the intervention of the Department. However, to speak at this stage about the need for a uniform, nationwide fodder crisis is premature.

See this speech in context