Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 622: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures he has in place to assist potato growers in County Kerry who were unable to plant or harvest potatoes due to the recent weather conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6235/10]

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, last week I announced 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.