Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am relaying what I am being told. Farmers are finding it very difficult to cope because they have no cheques coming in. I acknowledge the Minister's response. It is very welcome. Forward planning is crucial. The inflexibility of the institutions does not help and must be tackled. It is more than just anecdotal that there are difficulties in this area. I will take up the Minister's offer of reporting any specific cases to his attention.

I received another call in regard to advance payment of disadvantaged area schemes payments so that farmers can manage their cashflow in a better way. Farmers believe this proposal is worthy of consideration. I welcome that the Minister has indicated he will look at extending the transport subsidy scheme for as long as is necessary given prevailing weather conditions. There is a need for a review of how we ended up in this situation and for advance planning for the remainder of the year to deal with any further lack of fodder.

Táimid an-bhuíoch den Aire. Tuigim go bhfuil sé crua. I appreciate the stress this crisis has placed on the Minister and his officials. We need to learn from it and ensure we can handle what might happen in the weeks and months ahead.