Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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218. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide additional supports to farmers who are experiencing severe fodder shortages in view of the continued adverse weather conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24498/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I announced on 10 May an extension of the imported fodder transport scheme for a further two weeks and the doubling of the fund to €2 million. Following consultation with Met Eireann, Co Ops, the farming organisations, Teagasc and the advice of officials working on the ground, the decision was taken to allow a further two weeks for fodder to be imported into the country with a doubling of the transport subsidy fund. Fodder, eligible under the scheme and delivered into the country will be covered up to next Friday 24 May. I have also decided, as an exceptional measure, that any definite purchases that have been placed by that date, but which will be delivered during the following week, will be included under the scheme. By the end of the week some 2,000 loads of imported fodder, amounting to about 30,000 tonnes, will have benefited from my Department's contribution to these transport costs. My Department will continue to monitor the situation on a day by day basis. This remains a very challenging situation for farmers and the extension to 24 May will allow both farmers and Co Ops to have some certainty around the supply of fodder over the coming weeks. It is also important that while continuing to focus on the emergency fodder position in the short term, farmers should also focus on growing and conserving fodder for next winter's needs. We should be maximising production in the coming period and I have asked Teagasc to prioritise this policy in their advisory campaigns over the summer months. It is clear that the main cut of silage will be delayed this year and as a consequence we need to look at the potential for the growing of additional fodder later into the season. In this regard I have also raised a number of specific issues within the Nitrates regulations with my colleague Minister Hogan, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government with a view to ensuring we maximise the opportunity for fodder production this year.

The Animal Welfare Hotline which I established remains open for those with emergency situations or who need information about where to source fodder: 1850 21 19 90 (Low-call). The majority of calls received are enquiring about fodder availability and these callers are being referred to Co-ops in their respective areas. Those farmers with animal welfare issues are being referred to the DVOs where there are systems in place to deal with them on a case by case basis. Further information on the scheme is available from the Department website - .

Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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219. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of the two million euro allocated to addressing the fodder crises that has been utilised. [24502/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Fodder Transport Subsidy Scheme had played an important role in contributing to the efforts of recent weeks, with the transport costs of sizable quantities of fodder being significantly offset by my Department's contribution. By the end of the week, approximately 2,000 loads of imported fodder will have benefited from my Department's contribution to the transport costs;this amounts to in excess of 30,000 tonnes of fodder. While the Scheme itself will end next Friday, 24 May, I have decided, as an exceptional measure, that any definite purchases that have been placed by that date, but which will be delivered during the following week, will be included under the Scheme. Those wishing to avail of this option will have to submit documentary and financial evidence to my Department, by close of business this coming Friday, 24 May, of firm purchases having been made. It is anticipated that the total allocation of €2 million will be fully utilised when the scheme comes to an end.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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220. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide financial support for farmers who are unable to secure credit and finance from any source and are experiencing severe fodder shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24504/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I announced on 10 May an extension of the imported fodder transport scheme for a further two weeks and the doubling of the fund to €2m. Following consultation with Met Eireann, Co Ops, the farming organisations, Teagasc and the advice of officials working on the ground, the decision was taken to allow a further two weeks for fodder to be imported into the country with a doubling of the transport subsidy fund. Fodder, eligible under the scheme and delivered into the country will be covered up to next Friday 24 May. I have also decided, as an exceptional measure, that any definite purchases that have been placed by that date, but which will be delivered during the following week, will be included under the scheme.

By the end of the week some 2,000 loads of imported fodder, amounting to about 30,000 tonnes, will have benefitted from my Department's contribution to these transport costs. My Department will continue to monitor the situation on a day by day basis. This remains a very challenging situation for farmers and the extension to 24 May will allow both farmers and Co Ops to have some certainty around the supply of fodder over the coming weeks.

For many farmers, concerns regarding access to credit and flexibility around loan repayments have been a significant issue. I have been in regular contact with the banks, co-ops and feed merchants to urge flexibility and co-operation at this challenging time. Both banks and co-ops have asked farmers to contact them to discuss the terms that are available and have indicated that they will show flexibility on the basis that the longer term outlook for farming is positive and prices are strong across most areas.

Further information on the scheme is available from the Department website.