Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House to discuss agricultural issues, which are wide and varied.

Tough weather conditions is an issue that is pertinent to farmers who live in the west and north west because it has caused them a lot of stress. I have asked the Minister to consider introducing a support scheme for farmers in the west and north west who face a severe shortage of animal fodder. As he will know, the poor ground conditions have caused difficulties. I am delighted that he has agreed to provide a target contribution towards the cost of the long-distance transport of fodder to the areas most impacted by the bad weather. The initiative stems from the fact that he convened a fodder group chaired by Teagasc comprising all of the main stakeholders which met for the first time last December and again on Monday, 15 January. One must gather all of the stakeholders together to identify problems and then address them, which is the right way to conduct business.

I congratulate the Minister for doing something that will help alleviate the very difficult fodder shortages that were felt most acutely by farmers in the west and north west. I am sure there has been a fodder shortage in other areas. However, there has been no shortage of fodder in some areas. As a local politician, I heard about the problem and I thank the Minister for addressing the issue.

Recently Teagasc conducted a fodder survey of 90 farmers from counties Leitrim and Sligo. As many as 90% of them confirmed they had experienced a serious fodder shortage this winter. I hope that the €8 to €12 per bale payment will help to alleviate the fodder shortage.

The objectives of the group were to actively monitor the situation and ensure that co-ordinated expertise and guidance on options were available to affected farmers. It is nice to see that farmers were able to get alternative feed thus ensuring they could carry out fodder budgeting.

Five or six years ago Irish farmers experienced a fodder shortage but I do not think there was a coordinated approach. I recall that farmers contacted me because they wanted to import fodder from the UK. The approach adopted was one of "Look guys, just bring it in and we will address the matter later." At the time the issue was dealt with through various co-ops and whatever. Most of the farmers were reimbursed but it took a little too long to arrive. I must emphasise that Deputy Creed was not the Minister at the time. I am delighted that there has been a more coordinated approach this time around. Unfortunately, fodder shortages do occur and, like flooding, we do not know how to deal with them. I am glad to see that lessons have been learned from the past.The Minister has also stressed that if a situation arises whereby the welfare of livestock is at risk, herdowners should contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine's animal welfare helpline or regional veterinary offices for support. I accept that there are measures in place that will help with that. Once again, however, many farmers in the north west and west are facing a very challenging period in ensuring their animals have enough feed. We simply must ensure that sufficient supports are put in place where there are shortages. I thank the Minister and his Department for the work they have done, and I wish to put on the record that I hope that this will help to alleviate the serious fodder shortages in the north west and west.