Lorraine Higgins (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for coming to the House to take this matter. I would like to raise the fodder crisis earlier this year and what can be done to help farmers and to prevent future crises. I commend the Department for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on all the measures it put in place last spring to assist farmers in dealing with the crisis. The funds to help to transport fodder from the Continent and the availability of emergency assistance were instrumental in helping them survive this crisis. Thanks to the efforts of the Government and the good weather this summer farmers have, on average, an 8% surplus in feed for their animals. However, this figure is based on a strict 140-day winter feeding period, which does not allow for the risks of an early winter or a late spring and, despite surpluses for some farmers, one in five still faces a 20% deficit in food supply.

The Government's efforts fall a little short in the provision of longer-term assistance for farmers and the prevention of another serious crisis. The fodder crisis, although alleviated, is not over and farmers face even more problems with the reduction in the cost of beef. It is estimated they are losing up to €5 million per week. They also have reduced stock following the past winter. We cannot allow our farmers to suffer under these circumstances. Although I realise we are in times of austerity, this year's €1 million allocation for the fodder crisis is nothing near the amount that should be provided to assist farmers to head off another crisis this winter.

Additionally, importing fodder from the Continent turned into a logistical nightmare with some co-operatives only receiving 2.5% of what they ordered on time. Does the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and his Department feel this is an acceptable way to deal with such a crisis? The importation of fodder undoubtedly helped but we need solutions within Ireland, which is why I tabled this matter.

I propose that the Government sets up an audit committee to audit all publicly-owned grasslands as a means of identifying those lands that could be cut in the event of a fodder crisis. We need solutions within the country and using publicly-owned grasslands is a way to do this. While importing from the Continent is helpful, we can help ourselves by utilising the resources at our disposal. A number of farmers have contacted me to say next year's problems are starting now and, therefore, we need to ensure they have a reserve into the future. Many farmers feel the only thing coming down on them these days is rain. We must ensure the Government is proactive in helping with the lingering effects of the crisis earlier this year as well as addressing the potential for future crises in the coming years. The setting up of an audit commitment to examine publicly-owned grasslands is a necessary step towards preventing another crisis.