Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 228: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the details of the flooding hardship fund; the mechanism to apply for funding; if it will cover the provision of alternative housing for animals; the criteria to be considered for eligibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45084/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Fodder Aid Scheme which I announced will require individual farmers to demonstrate that their fodder was damaged and the extent of that damage. Although this scheme is targeted primarily at farmers in the West, Midlands and South West who suffered damage to fodder (silage, hay, straw or concentrates) caused by flooding in November 2009, those farmers in other areas also affected by the recent flooding may also be eligible. However, given the importance of having the funding made available as quickly as possible to those most severely affected by the crisis, I would encourage only those farmers who are directly affected to complete and submit the application without delay. I will set out the basis on which the scheme will operate. Funding of €2 million is allocated to the scheme. Financial aid will be paid in instances where genuine damage to silage or hay or concentrates was caused by the flooding in November 2009. Applications must be submitted by Friday, 11 December 2009. All applications will be subject to an on-farm inspection and the damaged fodder must be evident. Aid will not be payable where flood damage to fodder is covered by the farmer's insurance policy. I have had the necessary arrangements made to ensure that applications submitted under the scheme are processed as soon as they are received, with a view to payments issuing to the affected farmers as quickly as possible.

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 229: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action he will take to alleviate hardship caused to farmers who are affected by a shortage of fodder due to recent flooding in the Shannon area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45142/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Fodder Aid Scheme which I announced will require individual farmers to demonstrate that their fodder was damaged and the extent of that damage. Although this scheme is targeted primarily at farmers in the West, Midlands and South West who suffered damage to fodder (silage or hay or concentrates) caused by flooding in November 2009, those farmers in other areas also affected by the recent flooding may also be eligible. However, given the importance of having the funding made available as quickly as possible to those most severely affected by the crisis, I would encourage only those farmers who are directly affected to complete and submit the application without delay. I will set out the basis on which the scheme will operate. Funding of €2 million is allocated to the scheme. Financial aid will be paid in instances where genuine damage to silage or hay or concentrates was caused by the flooding in November 2009. Applications must be submitted by Friday, 11 December 2009. All applications will be subject to an on-farm inspection and the damaged fodder must be evident. Aid will not be payable where flood damage to fodder is covered by the farmer's insurance policy. I have had the necessary arrangements made to ensure that applications submitted under the scheme are processed immediately they are received, with a view to payments issuing to the affected farmers as quickly as possible.