Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I call on the Leader to ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Deputy Creed, to extend the October deadline for slurry spreading given the severe weather conditions we have experienced in recent months which have curtailed the spreading activity. The 15 October deadline is fast approaching and due to the severe downpours we experienced during our so-called summer, land conditions are particularly difficult. It is important that farmers see that every effort is made to get this extension beyond 15 October. I understand our friends in Northern Ireland have been successful in getting an extension. It is possible to show reasons as to why the slurry spreading did not take place. I urge the Minister, Deputy Creed, to seek a similar extension of the 15 October deadline in order to facilitate the spreading of slurry.