Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 370: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department are in negotiations with potato grower representative groups for compensation due to the recent weather when potato crops have been destroyed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5522/10]

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. Following a preliminary assessment of the crop losses caused by the severe weather conditions, I am today announcing the introduction of a limited scheme of financial assistance to certain potato and vegetable growers who have suffered significant losses of produce due to frost damage.