Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Our assessment is that there are sufficient supplies of animal feed at present and importers are actively competing on the global market to ensure supply continues uninterrupted. However, prices are high. I meet with stakeholders on an ongoing basis to discuss the impact of the crisis on supply chains. As the Deputy knows, I established a rapid response team in my Department, along with the national fodder and food security committee, which I tasked with the preparation of a response to the emerging crisis in feed, fodder, fertiliser and other inputs and the development of contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their enterprises.

Since the invasion started, we have taken a number of measures, valued at €91 million all together, to assist the sector, including €56 million for the fodder support package, €20 million in two separate packages for the pig sector and €12 million for the tillage sector. Regarding grain growing, the assessment is there has been a 6% to 7% increase this year, which will make an important contribution.

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