Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

With respect, I disagree. We spoke about this last year. Last year we said that we would deal with it on a case by case basis. When we speak about this issue, we are speaking about certain areas of the country. The Minister says "nationwide", but I am sure that in many parts of the country there is not the same level of crisis. Every year, we have a huge level of rainfall in the north west compared to, say, the south east or other regions of the country. The reality is that this is about the timing of that rainfall for many farmers . We have had an awful lot of rain in recent weeks and, in fact, in the past two months practically. It has led to a situation where farmers are not able to get their second-cut silage. I know the Minister is saying the weather may improve, but when we are talking about taking second-cut silage in the last weeks of October, it is of poor quality. That is the reality facing farmers. We need to ensure that a scheme is put in place so that farmers will know with confidence that they will not be let down. They cannot be required to go with a begging bowl, one by one, asking, "What can you do for me, please, Sir?" That is not appropriate. The farming community needs to have something proper put in place. The farming organisations are recognising it. I am sure some of them also will be lobbying the Minister on the issue. We saw the situation in County Donegal with the deluge of rain and the damage it did to the agriculture sector. We need to ensure that there is a full and proper scheme put in place to deal with this every year, if and when it occurs.

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