Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to keep the focus on one simple thing, namely, that there have been storms Ophelia, Eleanor, Fionn and Emma and lands are flooded. The Minister needs accurate readings and to get them one needs proper, drained soil. There are many complications because people feed cattle out on the land and we need appropriate readings in order to comply with the conditions for grants. The issue is a four-week extension but I accept that the Minister of State cannot tell us today that he is extending this for a month. Nevertheless, I ask that he keep it under consideration, engage with and consult the relevant people in the area and, perhaps, come back to us before the end of the month. There is a crisis and there will be weather issues in the next week or two. I will not support people who do not comply but I know the Minister is flexible and reasonable. He comes from the agricultural sector himself so he will have experience of these difficulties.