Kieran O'Donnell (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On a more serious matter, the weather is an issue for farmers in Limerick. Extremes of weather are very difficult for farmers and agriculture is a huge element of our industrial and business base. We had extremes of rain not long ago and we now have extremes of sunshine. Many farmers are being forced to do their second cut of silage now because the grass is burning up. While I know time is limited, I ask that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine would make a brief appearance in the Seanad prior to it breaking up. In some cases, yields have reduced by two thirds. Not only is the grass burning up, but farmers are being forced to take a second cut of silage ahead of time, which is bringing the yields back. Prevention is far better than the cure.

I ask the Leader to make contact, if possible, with the Minister, Deputy Creed, with regard to having a brief discussion on the matter. It is hugely important that we deal with this. Farmers are making contact with me because they are getting worried. I request the Cathaoirleach and the Leader to arrange for the Minister to come to the House. While a census is ongoing with regard to farmers' fodder requirements into the future, the problem is that current extreme weather conditions are having an impact on farmers.