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

I accept the Deputy's point. If we were in any doubt, the 2018 Teagasc farm income survey published this week confirms it. I acknowledge that it has been a very difficult year. However, in the context of climate-related challenges, the stakeholder group we established has worked extremely well. It includes statutory, non-statutory, voluntary and farm organisation participants. We have seen the gap close substantially and there is now an acceptance that there is sufficient fodder in the country. There may be individuals who remain vulnerable and we must remain vigilant in that space. However, I accept the thrust of the Deputy's observations overall and hope this financial product aimed at capital investment rather than working capital will be of some benefit to the sector in 2019.

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