Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Everyone in the House is thoroughly enjoying the good weather and why would we not? It is a unique Mediterranean-type weather experience here. Like everything else it presents its own problems. There are real issues in the agricultural sector. There was a very good piece on the RTÉ news last night about the difficulties grain farmers along the south have. In the area where I live, there is a real issue with water shortages for farmers in Cavan and Monaghan. There have been challenges in a number of incidences. There is a challenge with the growth of a new cut of silage and in some instances, there are challenges with crop growth. There will be a challenge with getting alternative feed for cattle and drawing water in some instances. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to the House as a matter of urgency to discuss a raft of very specific strategies to be looked at to deal with shortages and the problems confronting agriculture. We need to know that Teagasc is on board and that the Department is completely on board. We do not want to anticipate such things, but it may be necessary, unfortunately, in the end to give a form of fodder relief to farmers and that cannot be shirked from if it has to happen. Will the Leader considering this as a real priority issue? There are people suffering the downside of what is a wonderful weather spell. Neighbours of mine throughout Cavan and Monaghan are having bad experiences.