Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 561: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce a support scheme for the many producers of vegetables and potatoes who have had losses due to the flooding and frost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3496/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware that due to very wet conditions in November 2009 a proportion of the total national area of potatoes remained unharvested at the end of the year. Since Christmas Ireland has experienced very severe frost conditions which have resulted in losses to potatoes and other crops. The extent of losses is difficult to quantify at this stage. It would be influenced by the nature of the crop, its location and the extent to which it was exposed. I have received representations on behalf of growers in relation to the losses incurred and the matter is currently being considered by officials in my Department.