Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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161. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to amend the flood relief scheme for farmers in County Donegal administered by his Department. [41993/17]

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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162. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to amend the flood relief scheme for farmers in County Donegal in response to the concerns of farmer representative organisations; and if he will ensure that all categories of farmers are fully compensated for their losses. [41994/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 162 together.

As you may know, I visited the Inishowen Peninsula with my colleague Minster Joe McHugh following the exceptional rainfall of August 22^ndlast to see at first-hand some of the very significant problems that a number of farmers faced as a result.  I committed during my visit to supporting these farmers, and my Department in conjunction with other State Agencies moved swiftly to offer practical solutions to those affected.  

In the immediate aftermath of the flood I prioritised the availability of support by means of the Animal Welfare Helpline which gives guidance on protecting animal welfare and safety in addition to responding to urgent requirements for emergency feed provision. Staff from both my own Department as well as Teagasc were in the area; Teagasc provided advice to affected farmers in dealing with the immediate challenges that arose.

From my own experience of visiting Inishowen, together with the findings of my officials and Teagasc, it was clear that the principal and most widespread impacts of the floods on farms in the Inishowen Peninsula centred on damage to land, fencing, fodder and livestock. To address these pressing issues in the most effective manner I introduced a targeted measure of assistance.

Support under this measure applies to losses of livestock, conserved fodder (Hay or Silage) and as a contribution towards the clean-up cost of agricultural lands, including repair to fences, damaged by debris washed up by the floods.  The measure is subject to the provisions of EU de minimis state aid rules in the agriculture sector and only losses not covered by insurance are eligible for consideration.

While it is not possible to address all of the problems the unprecedented rainfall caused on farms in Inishowen, this measure is in my view, a most comprehensive, timely and appropriate response to the main difficulties farmers there had to deal with.

The measure closed for applications last Friday 29^thSeptember and these will now be processed as quickly as possible.