Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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192. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will make an application for EU solidarity funding to help address the serious situation and suffering that our farmers are enduring at present during this fodder crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24929/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm that the EU Solidarity Fund, which has been mentioned as a possible source of further support, would not be available in these circumstances. The EU Solidarity Fund, is in the main, confined to major disasters which have lasting repercussions on economic stability, living conditions and the natural environment.

The EU Solidarity Fund only intervenes for non-insurable public emergency operations, such as repair of damaged public infrastructure, costs of rescue services, clean up operations and so on.

Unfortunately, a fodder crisis does not fall within the field of application of the Fund as laid down. It has been further clarified that compensation for private damage, including to businesses and farmers is not eligible for Solidarity Fund Aid.