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

I am sure the Deputy will find ways and means to do so.

The picture in respect of spring barley is not as depressing as that which the Deputy paints. The information we have is that while some of the later planted spring barley crop is challenged, it is not by any means a uniform situation. We also understand that this is a regional issue and that the majority of the crop is not affected at this stage. All options are on the table. Matters relating to low-yielding cows, cows with high somatic cell counts, animals that are not in calf and disposing of stock - I appreciate that feeds into the point the Deputy makes about prices - are all individual farm management issues that need to be considered. Teagasc is disseminating advice on these matters at present. We will look at all of the issues around prompt, early payments, fertiliser application dates, etc. We face a significant challenge.

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