Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The scheme will reduce the cost of imported hay to farmers by approximately one third. As Senator Pat O'Neill mentioned, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is responding to queries from farmers who face animal welfare emergencies and need support. Feed is being sourced and provided for any farmer dealing with an animal welfare crisis. Farmers can contact the hotline number which the Minister mentioned at the joint committee and which has been advertised in the broadcast media. There should be no question where animal welfare is concerned about contacting the Department at 1850 211 990.