Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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429. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the shortage of fodder in western counties including in County Mayo; the steps he is taking to deal with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48689/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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It is clear that Weather conditions over much of this Autumn have been challenging for farmers and created difficulties for farmers particularly in the Western regions and on heavier land types.

Grass growth rates this year have been ahead of last year. However the poor weather resulted in cattle being housed earlier than normal in places, particularly on the heavier soils; it also affected late cut silage making operations.

It appears that there are supplies of fodder in the form of silage and hay available across the country for those farmers who may require to supplement their own fodder supply. However, I have asked Teagasc to work locally in areas with fodder difficulties, to support good budgeting of fodder supplies on farms for the winter ahead.  My Department continues to monitor the situation. 

The European Commission agreed to my request for an advance payment of the 2017 Basic Payment Scheme. This has been prompted by the  inclement weather conditions and also market difficulties caused by currency fluctuations. This means an increase from 50% to 70% in the rate for the BPS to those applicants whose applications were confirmed fully clear.  Issuing of these payments commenced after the 15th October and balancing payments will be made with effect from early December. There will also be an increase permitted to the advance for Pillar II Rural Development schemes.   

These payments and the payments under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme, have already injected over €800 million into the Irish rural economy. These payments are providing a very welcome boost for Irish farm families and will help to finance fodder purchase where necessary. My Department will continue to closely monitor the situation.