Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The long-range weather forecast indicated consistent easterly winds and low temperatures. This is one of the most serious crises which has occurred in farming in my lifetime in the area I represent from a fodder point of view. I acknowledge the work done by the IFA and local co-ops such as Drinagh Co-op and Barryroe Co-op. They must be complimented for their efforts. I have stated, and not to say it behind the Minister's back, the political response was rather tardy and reactive rather than proactive.

It amuses me sometimes to hear about support from banks. Many farmers have difficulties with banks and over the past two or three weeks I have had many calls from people not in a position to obtain financial support from banks. A widow came to my clinic in tears because some of her cattle were starving and she needed at least three or four bales of hay, but she could not access them because of a problem with her local co-op account. I thought this was most unfortunate. I rang the co-op manager to see whether she could be helped and I hope she was.