Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I take it from the Minister's comments that farmers in counties Cavan and Monaghan can apply for the scheme. As he knows, we have suffered a significant amount of rainfall and the problem is getting worse. There has been huge flooding across agricultural lands in counties Cavan and Monaghan where farmers are coming under increasing pressure. They do not have enough fodder to keep their cattle fed, which is placing significant financial pressure and strain on already hard-pressed farmers. While the fodder transport scheme may provide some limited relief, it does not address the problem if introduced as a stand-alone support. In fact, it could exacerbate the fodder crisis. My colleague, Deputy Charlie McConalogue, has been front and centre on the issue and repeatedly called for a meal voucher scheme to be rolled out as a matter of urgency. Considering the huge underspend of €78 million in the Department last year, I do not see why such a scheme could not be introduced.

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