Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 313: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to address the issues arising from the reduction in farm income, inclement weather conditions and the consequent loss to the farming community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43871/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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A substantial amount of public funds are spent each year in support of the farming community. In 2009, it is estimated that over €2 billion will be paid in direct payments to farmers. This includes €1.3 billion under the Single Payment Scheme, €220 million under the area based compensatory allowance scheme and €369 million under REPS, with the remainder paid out under smaller schemes. In the year to date €1.802 billion has been paid to farm families. It is acknowledged that the recent serious flooding may have caused damage to fodder supplies and may give rise to a resulting feed shortage problem on some livestock farms. In response, I am introducing a fodder aid scheme to provide some financial support towards the purchase of alternative feed material to replace the fodder damaged by the floods. The amount being provided for the scheme is €2 million.

In addition, I am seeking the approval of Dáil Éireann for a Supplementary Estimate for my Department this year. If approved, I propose to bring forward to this year almost €85m. in payments under REPS on the Farm Waste Management Scheme, which would otherwise not have been paid until early next year.