Written answers

Tuesday, 19 January 2010

Department of Agriculture and Food

Horticulture Sector

9:00 pm

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 954: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will support potato growers in County Donegal whose enterprises have been devastated by the Christmas 2009 weather crisis; if he will acknowledge that 75% of the potato crop has been ruined; his views that this amounts to a wipe-out of the potato industry in County Donegal; the nature of the supports he will provide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1170/10]

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 956: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will consider the introduction of a compensation package for potato growers following the loss of potato crop during the recent period of exceptionally cold weather. [1206/10]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 969: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to introduce a compensation package to assist potato producers whose crop has been devastated by the recent bad weather and are in danger of losing up to 75% of their crop; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1553/10]

Photo of Dinny McGinleyDinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 983: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the serious losses suffered by potato farmers in County Donegal as a result of the very severe and ongoing adverse weather conditions; if he has any plans to initiate a compensation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2040/10]

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 954, 956, 969 and 983 together.

I am aware that, due to very wet conditions in November 2009, that a very considerable acreage of potatoes remained unharvested at the end of the year. Since then, farmers have experienced very severe frost conditions which have resulted in significant losses to these crops. I met with potato grower representatives on Thursday 14 January who presented me with a submission which is currently being considered.

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