Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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198. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will seek an advance in the single farm payment for farmers who are struggling with the fodder crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20738/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am acutely aware of the difficulties being experienced by some farmers as a result of recent unseasonable weather, with difficult conditions experienced on farms last summer having been compounded by an extended winter.

In light of the difficulties experienced by farmers in sourcing fodder supplies, last week I announced the allocation of €1 million to fund the Imported Fodder Transport Scheme, which is designed to reduce the cost to farmers of imported forage (hay, silage, haylage) from outside the island of Ireland. I am pleased to note that since the introduction of this Scheme that significant quantities of fodder have been imported and are reaching those in most need. However, in view of the continuing need, I have now decided to extend this Scheme for a further week until Friday, 10 May. I have also clarified that maize silage is included in the Scheme when further quantities of fodder are imported. I also commend the efforts being made by the farming community and organizations themselves and also the active approach being adopted by the Dairy Co-ops to help alleviate the situation.

In terms of EU payments, it will be recalled that my successful approach to Commissioner Ciolos for agreement to making an advance payment of the 2012 Single Farm Payment was prompted by the very wet weather experienced throughout last summer. Mindful of ongoing difficulties, I have decided that a formal request should again be made to the EU Commission seeking agreement to pay an advance from 16 October of the 2013 Single Farm Payment which, at almost 2 months ahead of the standard timeline, is the earliest potential payment date. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme are scheduled to begin issuing in September 2013.

The Department has an emergency animal welfare helpline in operation and calls are being referred to the Co-operatives and or to the Department’s veterinary personnel as appropriate. Department Veterinary Inspectors continue to be actively engaged in providing emergency assistance under the Department’s early warning system to farmers whose animals are currently experiencing serious welfare issues and where the farmer him/herself is unable to cope with the situation.

I am, of course, keeping this ongoing situation under constant review.