Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Irish tillage sector has faced devastation with the terrible weather conditions, earlier on in sowing and now in harvesting. In County Wexford alone, there are more than 2,500 acres still left to be harvested. With reduced yields and reduced grain prices, the sector is facing devastation. In all honesty, I cannot welcome the Minister, Deputy McConalogue's announcement yesterday where €28 per hectare or €11.33 per acre will be given as an aid package. Tillage farmers are struggling with a significant increase in input costs from fertiliser and sprays and fuel costs, leaving aside land costs that we are going through. I visited a tillage farm earlier this week to see the devastation that is there with barley just being on the ground, not being able to be harvested or, at best, being salvaged. I ask the Taoiseach and the Minister to look at this sector and to give an increased aid package. Tillage farmers are looking seriously to Government and more is needed.

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