Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his question. As he knows this is a challenging time for the cost of inputs, particularly fertiliser. I have been engaged closely with the fertiliser suppliers to ensure security of supply. They have worked very hard to ensure that is the case. I also introduced the scheme to pay €1,000 on up to 10 ha to support farmers to cut hay and silage this year. As the Deputy knows, we cannot do everything but we are working hard to understand the challenges there. That scheme will be a really important support to encourage farmers to grow. It applies to beef farmers, sheep farmers and those with tillage land who grow fodder. It will be paid in the latter part of the year. It is not possible to pay it in advance. Knowing that support will be there gives confidence to the sector to make preparations to grow the grass, grow the fodder and will help to cover the cost of that.

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