James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy McConalogue for the opportunity to contribute to the debate. The difficult weather conditions have caused havoc throughout the country and, in particular, in my own county of Wexford. Recent high volumes of rainfall, widespread flooding and a lack of grass growth due to the cold temperatures have compounded existing fodder shortages. Livestock have had to be kept indoors for much longer than usual, feed is gone, growth is non-existent and hope is at a premium. Every farmer is physically and mentally exhausted and many have gone beyond breaking point. The situation is intolerable. The Minister played Russian roulette with the hope that the weather would pick up. He was well warned about the crisis and he failed to prepare and act, which was reckless. Will he show leadership and immediately establish a hardship fund to help farmers? Will he introduce a meal voucher scheme for those affected? Will he swiftly make available low-cost credit for farmers? Will he ensure that all balancing payments outstanding from 2017 are paid as soon as possible?

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